Three distinctive shows are brightening the nightlife scene for
visitors to Maui: “Tony N Tina’s Wedding,” “Ululena” and “Warren
& Annabelle’s.”
“Tony N Tina’s Wedding,” which opened at Hyatt Regency Maui
Resort & Spa on Nov. 1, is Hawaii’s only theater attraction at
a resort.
“We brought the show to Maui because the island has very little
nightlife, besides luaus and Polynesian shows,” said Jeff Gitlin,
producer of “Tony N Tina’s Wedding” at Hyatt Maui. “We certainly
didn’t want to compete with all the exciting shows in Waikiki. We
felt that on Maui, there needed to be other options.”
“Tony N Tina’s Wedding” has been going strong in New York for 16
years, making it the longest-running off-Broadway production. The
story line involves two New York Italian families whose daughter
and son are getting married. The audience joins the characters for
the service and reception.
Gitlin, who also launched a version of “Tony N Tina’s Wedding”
in Las Vegas, said he plans to run the show on Maui
indefinitely.
“In Vegas we see repeat customers all the time,” he said. “Each
time you go, you get a different perspective.”
Tickets are $76 per person, including an Italian/Polynesian
dinner buffet, a champagne toast, wedding cake and dancing. Agents
presenting their business cards get two tickets for the price of
one. Call 808-667-4727.
“Ululena,” which debuted in July 1999 at the Maui Theatre in
Lahaina, draws an average of 500 people per night. It traces
Hawaiian culture from its creation to its 1970s resurgence in
popularity.
“Without spoken dialogue, our dancers, singers, acrobats and
musicians bring Hawaii’s history and legends to life using chants,
puppetry, special effects, costumes and scenography,” said John
Young, Maui Theatre’s general manager.
The 700-seat Maui Theatre was created especially for the
75-minute production.
“The stage itself is one-of-a-kind,” Young said. “Built in
Montreal and moved piece-by-piece to Maui, it has state-of-the-art
technology unique to the show and the Maui Theatre.”
“Ulalena” now offers the producer’s package for $65 per person,
including a chance to mingle on stage with the cast. Regular
admission is $45. Travel agents showing business or IATA cards pay
half price. Call 877-688-4800.
“Warren & Annabelle’s,” another Lahaina-based production,
showcases the talents of magician/comedian Warren Gibson. To create
the theater, Gibson and his wife Lisa renovated a space previously
housing a nightclub and bar. Their $1.2 million venue opened four
years ago and now entertains 800 guests per week.
The two-hour show begins as guests step into Annabelle’s
Chamber. Guests sit around small tables or on comfortable sofas and
consume pupus and drinks as Annabelle, the so-called “resident
ghost,” plays piano and takes song requests. Next, guests move into
a 78-person theater to experience Gibson’s sleight-of-hand.
“This is the only close-up magic theater venue in Hawaii,” said
Lisa Gibson. Presented nightly except Sundays, the show costs $40
per person and $70 for show/food/drink packages. Travel agents
receive 15% admission discount. Call 808-667-6244.