Members of the Kaua‘i High School Chorus will be presenting their spring choral concert next week for two nights at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall. The show is called “Wicked Gloria and Mamma Mia,” in reference to the Tony-award
Members of the Kaua‘i High School Chorus will be presenting their spring choral concert next week for two nights at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall.
The show is called “Wicked Gloria and Mamma Mia,” in reference to the Tony-award winning “Wicked,” Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and the ABBA inspired-musical “Mamma Mia.”
“I went to New York last summer and saw “Mamma Mia,” said choral director David Conrad. “It really had an impact on me so I included it in the curriculum this year.”
Conrad said some of his students already knew some of the material.
“They knew some of the songs because of ABBA, because it’s all ABBA (for “Mamma Mia”) and those who were akamai to theater knew ‘Wicked.’ But I had to tell them they have to do this right because they’ll be performing this for people who are seeing this for the first time,” Conrad said.
“Wicked” is the Stephen Schwartz musical prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” made popular by Broadway stars Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel.
“Juno Apalla did the choreography for ‘Wicked’ and one of the parents did the choreography for ‘Mamma Mia,’” Conrad said.
Conrad also said dancing at your seat is permitted and encouraged. The convention hall does not allow dancing in the aisles though.
The Kaua‘i High Singers will also be welcoming the middle school chorus from Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School and the Filipino Centennial Chorus to perform.
The middle school performance with the high school singers will be this Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Filipino Centennial Chorus will perform with the high school singers on Wednesday also at 7 p.m.
“We’ll be performing with the different choruses each night. But we will be performing one number with them on both nights,” Conrad said. “That’s good because the Filipino Centennial Chorus is celebrating their 100 years and they’ll be doing their music.”
Kaua‘i High School’s Ukulele Band will also perform. Nina Saraos assists and provides piano accompaniment.
Tickets are available from any chorus or ukulele student and at the door the day of the show.
Proceeds from concerts support student travel to experience Hawaii Opera Theatre’s production of “Madame Butterfly” in early March of 2007.
This opportunity comes from HOT’s Opera For Everyone program to enable students to see, hear and experience grand opera, Conrad said.
Want to Go?
Who: Kaua‘i High singers, Chorus Ukulele Band, special guests
Where: Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Tickets: Adults: $7 adv.,$8 at door; Students: $5/$6
• Lanaly Cabalo, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or lcabalo@kauaipubco.com.
