Inspired by the legacy of her late husband, director-actor Glenn Cannon, Samsil “Sam” Cannon is spearheading “Cherish the Arts,” from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the second-floor lanai of Kennedy Theatre.
Cannon died in 2013 at age 81 while in his 45th year as a professor of theater and dance at the University of Hawaii.
“I do not regard myself as a producer or director, but I planned this event to cherish the moments that Glenn always did,” said Sam Cannon. She suggests attendees dress up as a favorite showbiz character.
“I constantly get inspiration from Glenn,” she said. “He loved the theater and he loved people, friends and other artists. In planning this, I kept thinking it’s not just about Glenn, it is also about the things Glenn loved.”
Like his passion to kokua. “Anybody, anywhere, at any time — if they asked his help, he was so genuinely enthusiastic about giving his time and his expert opinion,” she recalled.
And his adoration of specific shows. “Glenn once was Riff in ‘West Side Story’ in a touring company in the ’50s; he directed ‘Man of La Mancha,’” she said.
To revisit these shows, she tapped Larry Paxton (Tony in “West Side Story”) and John Mount (Don Quixote in “La Mancha”) to reprise these roles. “And both of them are still at UH,” said Sam.
Known for recurring roles on the original “Hawaii Five-0” and “Magnum, P.I.,” Cannon also starred in off-Broadway and Broadway productions.
Sam commissioned Karen Lucas, a UH sculptor and lecturer, to create a bronze bas-relief of Cannon to be installed at Kennedy Theatre. The Glenn Cannon Endowment Fund founded by Sam provides UH scholarships for drama students; donations may be made via the UH Foundation.
“Remembering him yearly is beautiful and sad, but this program brings me joy and a sense of aliveness, since this is here and now,” said Sam. “In this way, my relationship (with him) continues to grow and change.” …
Info: SaraLyn Smith, at 956-2305, or glennsparty17.eventbrite.com. …
HELLO AND ALOHA
Bernadette Peters will star in “Hello, Dolly!” at the Shubert Theatre in New York, beginning Jan. 20; she’ll succeed Honolulu’s Bette Midler, who’ll say aloha Jan. 14. …
Streetlight Cadence was at “The Hitmakers Concert” Saturday at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. ‘Twas part of the Hawaii Songwriting Festival, featuring Jason “I’m Yours” Mraz. The foursome, doing California theme park shows this month, is recording an anticipated Christmas EP. …
NOSTALGIA WITH STYLE
Joy Abbott’s debut at Medici’s on Aug. 31 has earned her a hana hou: She returns at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21. She’ll reprise her personal versions of jazz and show tunes. A medley made in heaven — “Hey There” from “Pajama Game” and “Heart” from “Damn Yankees” — reflected the power of her late husband George Abbott’s Broadway shows and the prowess of Joy’s interpretation. Spot-on nostalgia, still musically pertinent. And N.Y. pal Willard Beckham — sharing his “Louie From Kahului” novelty from his original musical, “Lucky Guy ” — elicited chuckles galore. …
SOLD-OUT HOMECOMING
Filipino singer Martin Nievera has not lost his magic. He wowed the crowds in three sellouts at Blue Note Hawaii on Sept. 4 and 5. He displayed maturity and authority on a medley of Frank Sinatra classics, was playful in his parade of signature hits such as “Be My Lady” (grabbing iPhones from fans for selfies while singing), but a powerful mashup of iconic Broadway melodies (“Bring Him Home,” “Music of the Night,” “This is the Moment”) comprised a take-home souvenir. A Waikiki return is imminent. …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran Honolulu entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or email wayneharada@gmail.com.
