Ryan Kanno: The diary of an Enginerd in Hawaii

Last Friday, Kar, Michelle, Lyell, Shane, Melissa, Melissa’s friend, and I checked out a local play @ the ARTS at Mark’s Garage in downtown Honolulu. Since this play was directed and produced by one of the MBA’s very own, Tony Pisculli, we wanted to show our support as well as you know… “become cultured“.

“Femme Capulet: Romeo and Juliet Remixed” is a modern day remake of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, Romeo and Juliet. Staged in a strip club, the play stays true to its mold as it tells a tale of love between a patron of the club, Romeo, and Juliet, a young, naive waitress. From the voice on the mic - to the music selection - and the actresses (dressed in skimpy lingerie) actually giving simulated lap dances, the ambiance was great - I actually felt as though I was in the strip club; of course, not that I would know since I haven’t been to *that* many.

As for the acting, I felt that Mercutio and Juliet’s mother really stood out amongst the cast. I also enjoyed Friar Lawrence - and loved the fight scene where Tybalt and Mercutio die. However, one thing that did bother me about the play was that being it was quote unquote “remixed”, it took me a while to discern who was who amongst the cast. Part of it was my fault since I had lost my program, part of it can be attributed to the scene selection and time constraints of the play, but I also felt that there are other things that could be done to allude to who’s who.

All in all, I really enjoyed watching the play and recommend everyone to see it - the topic was a little risque for me to invite my parents this go-around, so I’d say that it would appeal to everyone ranging from 18 - 40. A fascinating look at a modern day Romeo and Juliet, I give it two thumbs up and a Kanno seal of approval.

Great job Tony!

Check out what others have been saying about the play:

» John Berger @ Honolulu Star Bulletin in 2005
» John Berger @ Honolulu Star Bulletin in 2007
» Joseph T. Rozmiarek @ Honolulu Advertiser

Last night, my parents, Michelle, Kar, her sister and I checked out a local play @ the Kumu Kahua Theatre in downtown. Being an enginerd, I like to get out from the basement where “they” hide me and keep tabs on what the local art community is producing.

“Living Pidgin” by Lee Tonouchi is an eclectic array of Tonouchi’s essays, short stories, and poetry - delivered via hilarious short-skits (and I stress hilarious) all centered around the Pidgin language. The play was a little longer than expected - ~2.5 hours in length, but I swear I laughed the entire time. Since I know how locals think, this play is definitely worth every last penny of the $16 admission price (or $12 if you get a Credit Back card). For those of you with children - be warned, some vulgar language makes an appearance or two throughout the play.

I definitely recommend every local (and non-local for that matter) to see it - as it appealed to everyone ranging from 18 to 60+. Most definitely the hardest laugh I’ve had in months. So with that said, this play definitely gets the Kanno seal of approval.

Two thumbs up and a super boocuzlidat good time!