Loretta Ables Sayre, the Hawaii-based singer-actress who was nominated for a Tony Award for Lincoln Center’s “South Pacific,” will co-star as Mrs. Meers in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” at Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut.
“I leave shortly to head off for four months to work at the glorious and extremely respected Goodspeed,” she said.
Ables Sayre, who was Bloody Mary in “South Pacific,” will headline with Taylor Quick as the titular flapper wannabe Millie Dillmount. The Meers character is a former actress pretending to be a kindly Chinese landlady who operates a rooming house for aspiring actresses in 1922 New York. On the lam from authorities, she is actually running a sex-slave ring. The flamboyant role is commonly cast with Caucasians who deliver the lines with a stereotypical Chinese accent, which has offended some concerned about political correctness.
Ables Sayre, who is Filipino, said she discussed the portrayal with director Denis Jones, whose last Broadway musical was the acclaimed “Holiday Inn,” and they agreed on using the accent because the character is a former unsuccessful actress trying to dupe the young women staying at her hotel. Meers “loses her accent when she goes back into her real persona, Daisy Crumpler.”
She adds, “We are actors — it’s what we do. And this show is a farce, and no one is who they seem to be. That’s the fun of it.”
Dan DeLuca, who played Jack in the first national tour of “Newsies,” and Samantha Sturm, who was in “Holiday Inn” last season on Broadway, are in the cast. A madcap pace and precision tap-dancing are hallmarks.
“Millie” previews start April 21. It opens May 10 and will run through July 2.
Expect Ables Sayre to return to her first love, jazz, in a second fall gig at Blue Note Hawaii at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. …
DANDY BUMATAI
Comedian Andy Bumatai’s Blue Note Hawaii debut March 5 was a career best — dandy, daffy and delightful. His comedic cup runneth over with hilarity old and new, and the showroom was filled to the brim. Win-win, all around.
Before the show, Bumatai spent more than an hour working the audience, renewing friendships and posing for selfies in a remarkable exchange of camaraderie. As he promised, he shared some medical gags that demonstrated his courage and humanity, and succinctly acknowledged that “local comedy is insight into culture” (he was reared in “local” Waianae). Clearly, he piloted a triumphant return flight to Waikiki.
He readily sipped hydrating water while performing, explaining why in a later email: “The cancer treatment took a heavy toll on my saliva glands. … I was worried I would start coughing dust.” He admitted he shelved a cheat sheet “because I knew I’d hang on to it like a life preserver,” so he regrets forgetting some bits (who knew?).
There were two opening acts: James Mane, a huge Samoan dude with spot-on gags about his size and race (one of Bumatai’s Waianae “finds”), and Kaleo Pilanca, a protege of Bumatai with a zany signature bit in which he wears and then peels off layers and layers and layers of shorts. Wild, wacky fun. …
ISLAND HOPPING
>> Don’t stop believin’: At the request of singer Willie K, members of the Journey entourage (minus Arnel Pineda) enjoyed a local-style dinner (kalua pig with cabbage) prepared and hosted by Jack and Cha Thompson at their Portlock home. “We bought 20 pounds of poi and were surprised the gang ate it all,” said Cha with some disbelief. Willie, who was Journey’s opening act at all Oahu and Maui concerts, wanted his new buds to sample island food. …
>> The giver: Kris Kristofferson, a sometime Maui resident (Hana), had two close pals sharing his stage during recent performances: Willie Nelson (Feb. 24 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center) and Al Harrington (Feb. 25 at the Blaisdell Concert Hall). Maui proceeds (nearly $28,000) were donated to Na Keiki o Emalia, a grief support group for children on Maui. …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran Honolulu entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or email wayneharada@gmail.com.
