Performing Arts Scene in Maui

Dec 28, 2010

Maui lays claim to a compelling performing arts scene, at once entertaining and enriching for visitors to the Magic Isle. The upcoming months promise a variety of options for clients to experience annual events and live stage shows.

Celebration of the Arts
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
April 22-24: Live Hawaiian music and dance are just part of this annual cultural weekend, which also includes hands-on art activities, demonstrations, films, panels and a luau.
www.celebrationofthearts.org

"Cirque Polynesia"
Maui Moon Theatre, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
Presented Mon.-Sat. at 7 p.m. nightly: Cirque artists from around the globe amaze audiences with high-wire acts, contortions, aerial illusions, acrobatics, daredevil balancing and other death-defying feats.
www.cirquepolynesia.com

George Kahumoku Jr.'s Slack-Key Show and Masters of Hawaiian Music
Aloha Pavilion, Napili Kai Beach Resort
Presented nightly on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.: At this Grammy Award-winning concert series, host and slack-key guitar master George Kahumoku Jr. is joined each week by a different guest artist from a roster of guitarists, ukulele masters, vocalists and steel guitar players.
www.slackkey.com

Hula O Na Keiki
Kaanapali Beach Hotel
Nov. 4-6: During this weekend festival, children ages 5 to 17 years old from across the island take part in a hula competition, demonstrating their talents in traditional and modern dance and chant.
www.kbhmaui.com

Maui Arts and Cultural Center
With three performance venues, the center presents shows throughout the year, including these upcoming artists:
Feb. 3: Pianist Christopher O'Riley and cellist Carter Brey
Feb. 4: Texas Swing by Asleep at the Wheel
Feb. 12-13: Recording artist and hula master Kealii Reichel
Feb. 27: Reggae and hip-hop with Damian Marley and Nas
March 1: Philadelphia Dance Company
March 5: Maui divas Amy Hanaialii, Raiatea Helm and Napua Makua
March 8: Takacs String Quartet with pianist Joyce Yang
March 19: Ukulele wizard Jake Shimabukuro
www.mauiarts.org

Maui OnStage
Impressive local productions of well-known plays are staged in the renovated Iao Theater. Coming up:
March 11-27: Producer's Choice featuring a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber
May 13-29: "Taming of the Shrew"
July 8-31: "Chicago, The Musical"
www.mauionstage.com

Maui Pops Orchestra
The goal of this ensemble is to keep classical music fresh and accessible with such offerings as the following:
Jan. 30: Classical Sampler with guest pianist Sara Buechner
March 13: Opera Gala with Pocket Opera Company of San Francisco
www.mauipops.org

"Ulalena"
Maui Theatre, Lahaina
Mondays through Fridays at 6 p.m.: Hawaiian myths and legends come to life in this mesmerizing show that mixes songs, dances, acrobatics and dramatic lighting.
www.ulalena.com

"Warren and Annabelle's"
900 Front St., Lahaina
Monday through Saturday evenings: The remarkable magician Warren Gibson doubles as a comedian in this lively show with lots of audience participation.
www.warrenandannabelles.com