Honolulu Theater and Musicals: Summer Lineup
This summer is bursting with promising musicals and theater performances from Hawai‘i’s local talent.
Photo: Credit Brandon Miyahi // Courtesy of Mānoa Valley Theatre
Once Upon One Noddah Time
June 29 to July 9, Thursday through Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m.
A local style retelling of classic fairy tales, this theater anthology brings adventure—and pidgin—to the stage.
$15–$45, Kaimukī High School Performing Arts Center, 2705 Kaimukī Ave. manoavalleytheatre.com, @manoavalleytheatre
Photo: Credit Erich Steinwandt-Gudoy // Courtesy of Mānoa Valley Theatre
The Chinese Lady
July 13 to July 30, Thursday through Saturday 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 3 p.m.
Following the story of an immigrant Chinese woman who was exploited in America for her exoticism, this play based on a true story manages to be both heartfelt and humorous.
$24–$45, Mānoa Valley Theatre, 2833 E. Mānoa Road, manoavalleytheatre.com, @manoavalleytheatre
SEE ALSO: Your Ultimate Guide to Concerts and Live Music in Honolulu
Disney’s Aladdin Jr.
July 14 to July 23, Fridays and Saturdays 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m.
Students of the Pacific Academy of Performing Arts perform this stage adaptation of the family-favorite Disney musical. With all the familiar songs from the cartoon plus more from the Broadway adaptation, this show is sure to be a crowd pleaser for fans of every generation.
$5–$10, Hawai‘i Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., hawaiitheatre.com, @hawaiitheatre
Beauty and The Beast
July 21 to Aug. 6, various times
Another Disney cartoon turned stage musical, this theater adaptation brings the multi-award winning musical score to life. Recognizable songs such as “Be Our Guest” and “Gaston” will have you wanting to sing along in your seats. Buy your tickets soon because they’re selling fast.
$27–$52, Diamond Head Theatre, 520 Makapu‘u Ave., diamondheadtheatre.com, @diamondheadtheatre
Rotterdam
July 28 to Aug. 20, Thursday through Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m.
The Actors’ Group Hawai‘i’s talented cast takes on this Olivier Award-winning play, which presents a delicate and intimate story about gender identity and relationships.
$20–$30, The Actors’ Group, 650 Iwilei Road, Suite 101, taghawaii.net, @tagactors
SEE ALSO: Honolulu Pride: LGBTQIA+ Events in July 2023
Mendokusai
Aug. 17 to Sept. 17, Thursday through Saturday 7 p.m.
Following up their sold-out fan favorite “People You Meet in Longs,” Kumu Kahua Theatre delivers another relatable and powerful local narrative. This story from Hawai‘i playwright Eric Stack centers around the TMT controversy, detailing a conflict of culture as well as unexpected sanctuary, understanding and the different facets of love.
$5–$25, Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St., kumukahua.org, @kumukahua
SEE ALSO: Our Guide: Honolulu Summer Festivals
The Willard Suitcases
Aug. 24 to Sept. 10, Thursday through Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m.
This musical interlaces historical fiction with authentic stories of institutionalized mental patients from the infamous Willard Asylum. Inspired by the stories found in the 400 suitcases left in the asylum after it closed, the show examines mental health and the treatment of the misunderstood.
$20–$35, Koa Theater, 780 S. Beretania St., koatheater.com, @koa_theater
