--Courtesy photo
FRIDAY, DEC. 14-SATURDAY, DEC. 15
Comic Gabriel Iglesias will film his sold-out Hawaii Theatre shows
Comedian Gabriel Iglesias has sold out three shows at the Hawaii Theatre, accommodating big demand for a big comedian whose 2011 Comedy Central special was titled “I’m Not Fat … I’m Fluffy.”
Iglesias, a Comedy Central and talk-show circuit favorite, has been taken to heart by Hawaii audiences who love his loud aloha shirts and exuberant delivery. In March he teamed up with Ozomatli for a music video. “Hey, It’s Fluffy” includes the verse, “Hawaii-de-Cali-freshious — you got your Hawaiian shirt pressed?”
With his ability to embody characters and milk laughs by mocking his own flaws, a Sioux City Journal review of Iglesias’ touring show praised him for being “the whole package” — not only lovable, but smart and quick on his feet.
If you have those tickets, look sharp, as filming will take place during Iglesias’ sets for an upcoming Comedy Central special. With cameras in the house, there will be no late seating.
Where: Hawaii Theatre
When: 8 p.m. today, 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday
Cost: $40.50 (sold out)
Info: 528-0506 or hawaiitheatre.com
FRIDAY, DEC. 14-SUNDAY, JAN. 6
Graphic ‘Pillowman’ explores dark humor
Tony Nickelsen, Adam LeFebvre, Aiko Chinen in back, Seth Lilley in front, in a scene from 'The Pillowman.' --Courtesy TAG
Irish playwright Martin McDonagh’s “The Pillowman,” directed by Troy Apostol, opens tonight with the dark tale of Katurian, a short-story writer from an abusive family who now traffics in gruesome content. As it happens, Katurian also lives in a police state, and when bizarre child murders seem to mimic the author’s stories, he and his brother are subject to interrogation by the authorities.
The unsparing and graphic play, with its shifting perceptions of plot, consequences, victimhood and heroism, received wide attention and accolades, earning a 2004 Olivier Award for Best New Play, the 2004-2005 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best New Foreign Play, and two Tony Awards for production.
Critics note that the play is no mystery story or tale of redemption, but rather a bold exploration of the black humor attached to inexplicable violence, and the relationship between fiction and experience. TAG has included a warning: The play contains profanity and episodes of violence that may disturb some audiences.
Where: TAG — The Actors Group theater, 650 Iwilei Road, Suite 101
When: 7:30 Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 6
Cost: $12-$20
Info: 722-6941 or taghawaii.net
SUNDAY, DEC. 16
FilCom Center celebrates Christmas
--Courtesy photo
The annual Pasko! sa FilCom celebration at the FilCom Center in Waipahu is all about the tastes and traditions of a Filipino Christmas season, with food and treats, traditional music and dance, and handicrafts and ornaments for sale.
The celebration goes green this year with its contest to make the best parol, or Christmas star lanterns, from recycled materials. The “Walang Sayang” (no waste) holiday challenge was organized by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaii. Compete for best parol made from a kit, best freestyle and people’s choice, with $100 prizes.
Children and adults can also make parol from bamboo and paper, listen to folk tales and participate in games and crafts.
FilCom band Banda Kawayan will play on bamboo instruments, and resident choral group Himig at Indak will perform folk songs, dances and carols. There also will be a cooking demo of Visayan delicacies, and a presentation of the Panunuluyan — a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn.
Where: FilCom Center, Waipahu
When: 3:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday
Cost: Free
Info: 680-0451
SATURDAY, DEC. 15
Block party continues Kakaako’s evolution
--Courtesy photo
With new housing, shopping and infrastructure planned in Kakaako, there’s a buzz about the district these days. Can this area, where shopping centers, aging warehouses and high-rises bump up against entrepreneurial shops, empty lots, hideaway bars and grass-roots art and dance studios, take on the feel of a real neighborhood? Fledgling community organizations, merchants and developers are testing the waters.
Honolulu Night Market, presented by Street Grindz and Kamehameha Schools, is a step in that direction. The family-friendly block party offers food, fashion and contemporary collectibles by pop-up vendors, live music, art and the opportunity to hang out and meet Kakaako neighbors.
This month’s theme is “Rogue Christmas,” with a T&C surf shop-sponsored skate demo at 6 p.m., a fashion show styled by Summer Shiigi of Summer Style Hawaii at 8:30 p.m., music by the deadbeats, pictured, at 9 p.m. and a performance by former Miss Galaxy Queen 2008 and Universal Show Queen 2008 Cocoa Chandelier.
While you’re there, look for original gifts by young members of 808 Urban, a community organization that involves teens in arts programming. Teen members of the group’s Junior Boards have created recycled spray-can art, T-shirts, original paintings, ceramics and photography. Student artists will also be live-painting outside The Refuge, and bids on the art will be accepted.
Where: Auahi Street between Coral and Keawe streets, Kakaako
When: 6 p.m.-midnight
Cost: $5; free for University of Hawaii students with ID
Info: HonoluluNightMarket.com
– Elizabeth Kieszkowski