When Loretta Ables Sayre performs her Tony-nominated role in a concert presentation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “South Pacific” in Cleveland, she’ll be at her glamorous best.
“This time, there are no brown teeth for me,” said Ables Sayre, who created the role of Bloody Mary at Lincoln Center Theater’s past revival of “South Pacific.” On Broadway, the part required her to tarnish her pearly whites nightly, to resemble the betel nut stains that the character purportedly chewed.
“I am going to be in an evening gown designed by Brenda Chee,” said Ables Sayre, about the finery created by the woman who designed her bridal gown some years back. Chee reconnected with the actress when Ables Sayres did the title role in Diamond Head Theatre’s “Hello, Dolly!” last season, creating all of Able Sayres’ costumes.
Able Sayres’ Cleveland regalia will be in rich royal blue, with a train. “I feel like a goddess in this gown,” she said.
Ables Sayre will join the Cleveland Orchestra in a concert presentation of the evergreen musical in a one-nighter Saturday at the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
“I had no idea that the Cleveland Orchestra was in the ‘top five’ orchestras in the U.S.,” she said. “They are extremely respected across the world.”
Depending on the seating configuration, the outdoor venue can house up to 23,000 — a combination of pavilion seating and general admission on its lawn.
Ables Sayre said the gig also is “a sweet reunion” with musical director Andy Einhorn, who conducted the orchestra for Bette Midler’s run in “Dolly!” on Broadway; they previously worked together in New York for a presentation by Ted Chapin, president of the Rodgers & Hammerstein organization.
Upon her return to Honolulu, Ables Sayre will gear up for her annual hosting-performing role (her 25th time) in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Ilima Awards, benefitting DHT, Oct. 14 at the theater; and a Nov. 10 return to Blue Note Hawaii at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Mark your calendars now. …
All Is Bright
When the I’m A Bright Kid Foundation produces its fall musical, “Children of Eden,” it will be literally a Bright show when the members of the Michael Bright family take the stage.
Michael, youngest son of the late director-educator Ronald Bright, portrays the dual roles of Adam/Noah in the show, based on the Book of Genesis and exploring the complexities and challenges of parent-child relationships. Prolific Stephen Schwartz, creator of such musical hits as “Wicked,” “Pippin” and “Godspell,” is the composer of “Children.”
Michael’s wife, Jade Anguay Bright, will play Mama Noah, with their daughter Caitlin and sons Drew and Colton among the cast, along with Clarke Bright, older brother of Michael, who is the show’s musical conductor.
Of course, Clarke’s wife, Lynell, and their son Chris, will be in the pit; and Timothy, their younger son who graduates from Rutgers University in December, will be assistant to director Mary Hicks. Jodi Bright Stein, sister of the Bright bros, and her daughter Mia will be onstage as storytellers.
While mom Mo Bright (Ron’s widow) is not physically onstage, she’s very much involved in support and cheerleading, so a shout-out to her, too. …
Other participants include Jade Stice as Eve, Lauren Cabrera as Yonah, Miguel Cadoy II as Cain/Japeth, and Bailey Barnes and Rache Sapla; a mammoth company of 48 will portray storytellers and animals.
IABK regular Marcelo Pacleb will choreograph, and Dane Ison will be vocal coach.
“Children” will play weekends from Sept. 6 to 29 at Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College. Tickets: $21-$26, at 235-7315, imabrightkid.org/tickets. …
Personality parade
>> Brickwood Galuteria is slowly venturing back into music. He recently united with Robi Kahakalau, recording “Kalikioikawai,” which has received moderate airplay, as a fundraiser for the Kuleana Breakfast Club. And he’s considering whether to record a mele by Mahealani Wendt called “A Simple Prayer” as a duet with Marlene Sai. Galuteria deems it “timely for what’s happening on Mauna Kea.” Further, he’s eager to repackage a few titles also suitable for these times, with fellow Kamehameha ’73 grads, Ken Makuakane and David Kauahikaua. …
>> Is this the start of a Divas revival? Three Maui divas, Amy Hanaiali‘i, Raiatea Helm and Napua Greig, unite for a songfest at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Hawaii Theatre Center. Tickets: hawaiitheatre.com …
>> David Farmer, without opposition, has been elected president of SAG-AFTRA, Hawaii Local, for a two-year term. …
>> “Hawaii Five-0” star Alex O’Loughlin will be 43 this Saturday. In seven more years, it’ll be his big 5-0. …
And that’s “Show Biz.”
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
