Ed Sakamoto has written plays on many different subjects over the years, and the premiere production of his newest work, “Fishing for Wives,” at Kumu Kahua reminds us that he has a masterful command of comedy.
With Kumu Kahua Artistic Director Harry Wong III directing a quartet of exceptional actors, Sakamoto’s “Fishing" is excellent theater.
The year is 1913. The place is the island of Hawaii. Takeo Nishi, a Japanese immigrant fisherman whose face is described at one point as resembling a frog or the rear end of a donkey or an ox, has been unable to persuade a woman to come from Japan as his “picture bride.” One look at his picture and they break off the engagement.
Desperate to marry, Nishi sends a prospective bride a photo of his fishing partner, handsome Tsutomu Aoki, instead.
When Nishi’s bride, Shizuko Yamamoto, arrives, she is deeply in love with the man whose picture she has treasured through the long and difficult journey. She is instantly repulsed by the stranger who says that he — not the man in the picture — is her actual husband.
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‘FISHING FOR WIVES’
>>Where: Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St.
>>When: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 9
>> Cost: $20 (discounts available)
>> Info: 536-4441 or kumukahua.org
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She responds to Nishi’s deception by refusing to have sex with him, saying she has “female problems,” while simultaneously doing everything she can to win Aoki’s heart and persuade him to marry her instead.
Her problem is that Aoki is content as a bachelor, even though his father in Japan keeps arranging “picture bride” marriages for him.
Michelle Hunter owns the stage with her engaging performance as the unwilling victim of Nishi’s deception. Her large, expressive eyes and animated features convey a kaleidoscope of emotions.
It would be logical to sympathize with a man whose “picture bride” wife refuses him the most basic marital relationship, but given that Nishi misled Shizuko, it seems natural to sympathize with her instead.
Wherever one’s sympathies fall, Hunter is an outstanding heroine — or, perhaps, comic anti-heroine.
Daniel A. Nishida (Nishi) gives a strong comic performance as the hapless man who pays dearly for an ill-considered act. Justin Fragiao (Aoki) brings subtle shadings and moments of broad comedy as well to his portrayal of a complex man with conflicting emotions: Aoki must surely see that Shizuko, the wife of his best friend, wants to be a perfect wife for him.
Britni “Lolli” Keltz plays three other women who come into the story, each a distinctly different character type. Keltz plays each one with excellent comic results.
Two sex scenes — both played for laughs — are hilarious.
The performers’ work is enhanced by the contributions of the technical crew. Friston Ho‘okano (costume and hair/makeup design) creates three very different looks for Keltz’s roles and does very well by Hunter; she looks adorable throughout.
Ted Uratani’s scenic painting creates the look of traditional Japanese art. Original music by Doris Mugiishi and the late Masakichi Kaneko further establish the cultural milieu.
