Despite health challenges, singer-composer-pianist Randy Hongo is putting the finishing touches on an hourlong musical drama called “Glory in His Soul,” based on the life of Henry Opukahaia, who was one of the first Native Hawaiians to become a Christian and inspired New England missionaries to journey to Hawaii in 1820.
“Back in 1992, I did a small musical about Opukahaia, who was from the Big Island, who boarded a ship at Kealakekua to pursue more in life. So he went to New York, ending up in Connecticut, where he became a Christian,” said Hongo. “But he died at age 26 before he could share his faith with his people.”
Last October, Hongo — also from the Big Island — developed an 18-scene play based on a biography of Opukahaia. He composed four original songs while immersed in rehearsals and undergoing dialysis three times a week.
“Glory” will be unveiled at 7:15 and 10:45 a.m. April 17 during Sunday services at Kalihi Union Church, 2214 N. King St., with additional performances at 6 p.m. April 23 and 24. Christian Vision is sponsoring the production.
“The story is so inspirational and compelling: a young Hawaiian who learned about Christianity but died young, before he could share his faith with the Hawaiians,” said Hongo. “So this Hilo boy decided to put together this drama with music about his life.”
Chester Centino portrays Opukahaia and Jonathan Steeper, Kalihi Union Church’s pastor, plays the ship captain and sings Hongo’s composition, “The Great Adventure.”
Gay Hongo, Randy’s wife, directs and sings with the choir, and their niece, Cheryl Toma Sanders, is a second pianist in the small “orchestra,” so it’s somewhat of a family affair.
The production boasts a cast of 63 with 20 speaking roles and crowd scenes galore. “I saw ‘The King and I’ in New York and they had a huge ship on stage. We’ll have one, too, but way smaller,” said Hongo.
Admission is free, with donations accepted to support the Hongo Music Education Center fund. Information: kalihiunion.org.
For years, Hongo has battled multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood plasma in the bone marrow, and he continues to undergo dialysis treatment. Two years ago, he suffered a mild heart attack, so he monitors his pace under the scrutiny of his caregiver wife.
“I want to write a song, ‘God Not Pau With Me Yet,’ because he isn’t,” he said. “I still have much to share with the people in my world.” …
GOTTA SEE: “Waikiki Kopy Katz,” a sweet valentine to the Waikiki of yesteryear, has been a sellout every Wednesday night since it opened in mid-February at the Warrior Lounge of the Hale Koa Hotel. This is a nostalgic time-travel salute to Hawaii’s past musical personalities, and it’s been extended for eight more weeks, so go see it with your military pals or family members.
Co-produced by veteran Waikiki showman Jack Cione (who wrote and directed it) and stand-up comic Bo Irvine (who serves as its host), “Waikiki Kopy Katz” serves up considerable charm and warm memories, as Kimo Kahoano, Cathy Foy and Charles Degala salute Don Ho, Hilo Hattie and Alfred Apaka, respectively, in a gentle wave of stardust that includes a visit by Randy Smith as Frank Sinatra. Foy’s theatrical savvy is luminous.
Performers in the 80-minute revue offer bright interpretations, not impersonations, that earned them standing ovations from a receptive military crowd. See my blog at staradvertiser.com for a full review. Information: 531-4242. …
GOTTA SUPPORT: Saint Louis School is staging Frank Loesser’s “Guys and Dolls,” directed by Kyle Kakuno, at Mamiya Theatre. Lyric Medeiros, 14-year-old daughter of school President Glenn Medeiros, plays Adelaide. Remaining performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. March 20. Call 739-4896. …
“On the Town,” a recent Broadway hit, is being directed by Karen Meyer, at 7:30 p.m. March 25 and 26 and 3 p.m. April 3, at the Ronald Bright Theatre at Castle High School. Castle seniors Jeremy Hurr (Gabey), Chevy Baker (Chip) and Jacob Yamaguchi (Ozzy) portray the sailors on shore leave in New York. Call 233-5626. …
PASSING MENTIONS: Michael Pirics, a partner who ran the Bistro restaurant on Kapiolani Boulevard years ago, died Feb. 17 in Western Samoa. “Mika” operated the Coconut Beach Club Resort & Spa for 25 years. His remains will be scattered off Kaimana Beach, his favorite swimming spot, at 10 a.m. March 22. …
And musician Phil Bennett died March 3, prompting Hy’s Steak House entertainer Audy Kimura to recall: “He was an exceptional drummer as well as a wonderful and dear friend. Everybody loved him.”
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com. Read his Show and Tell Hawaii blog at staradvertiser.com.
