Hawaii Tribune-Herald Island Beat Thursday, May 4, 2017 3 Concert to honor longtime UH-Hilo drama professor The University of Hawaii at Hilo Kapili Choir and University Chorus join local vocal ensemble Harmony on Tap, guest soloists, actors and dancers to honor the career of retiring UH-Hilo drama professor Jackie Pualani Johnson in a concert, “We Sing the Spring: 35 Years of Jackie!” at 2 p.m. Sunday in the UH-Hilo Performing Arts Center. The concert, conducted by Amy Horst and accompanied by Walter Greenwood on piano, will feature songs from different periods of Johnson’s multifaceted career with music from productions ranging from Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd” to classics such as “South Pacific.” Also included in the concert are selections from “Camelot,” “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,” “Cabaret,” “Annie Get Your Gun” and Johnson’s own “Hilo: Da Musical!” “Some of the numbers have a history going back years — even decades — so the preparation, in some cases, spans most of the length of Jackie’s career,” Horst says. The lineup of music was chosen in consultation with Johnson herself. Jeri Gertz, local actor/director and longtime friend of Johnson, participated in the process as well, along with longtime university dance instructor and choreographer Celeste Staton, and PAC manager Lee Dombroski. “We considered the entire body of Jackie’s work over the decades and selected highlights that show songs, scenes and dances reflecting the depth and breadth of her career,” Horst says. She adds that what was most challenging in putting together the selections was fitting it all into one concert. “It was hard to highlight 38 years worth of incredible productions in one brief afternoon,” Horst says. “What this program has in common with other end-of-semester concerts is that it includes choral singing and a program designed to be enjoyed by all ages in the Hilo community.” There are differences between this concert and the usual fare, she says. “For one thing, it includes guest artists singing solos and acting duet scenes from shows Jackie has directed,” Horst explains. “For another, the show’s music comes entirely from works Jackie has directed on stage. We will also incorporate video elements to showcase Jackie’s talents. There will be two big dance numbers, and Jackie herself will join the company at the end of the show to perform a swan song of her own creation.” “Inspired” is the word Horst uses to describe the nearly 40-year teaching/ directing career of Johnson. “With her guidance, we have reached into the treasure trove of musicals she has directed and performed in, and outward to the many performers, returning alumni and colleagues who are eager to join together to honor Jackie in songs, scenes and dances.” Tickets are open seating, $12 general, $10 discount and $5 UH-Hilo/ Hawaii CC students (with a valid student ID) and children age 17 and younger. Tickets are available by calling the UH-Hilo Box Office at 932-7490 or by ordering online at artscenter.uhh.hawaii. edu. Paradise Restaurant Supply Downtown Hilo. 808-933-3675 Largest Kitchenware Dealer on Island We Specialize in: Large Woks - Stock Pots - Sinks Stainless Tables - Bar Mixers - Steamers Dishes - Silverware - Thermometers We Do knife SHarPening Thousand of Products Bring this coupon in for 10% off open 7 Days a Week 250 kamehameha x Haili Three Tenors HAWAI‘I PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL ...an unforgettable evening of opera, Broadway, pop and crossover favorites... ...sold-out Mainland performances... Wed., May 17, 7pm Palace Theater, Hilo $25 ($30 at the door) ...LIVE on Hawaii Island! Friday, May 19, 7pm Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel $60 TICKETS: www.HawaiiPerformingArtsFestival.Org HPAF phone: (808) 333-7378 Palace Theater: (808) 934-7010 Sponsored by Kate Bell & Tom Blackburn with our thanks. & The Hoku Concert Series present By KATIE YOUNG YAMANAKA Special to the Tribune-Herald Jackie Pualani Johnson HOLLYN JOHNSON/Tribune-Herald Actors rehearse for “Ghosts of Hiroshima” in 2016 at UH-Hilo.
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