STUCK ELEVATOR
MUSIC BY Byron Au Yong
LIBRETTO BY Aaron Jafferis
STUCK ELEVATOR RECEIVED ITS OPERATIC PREMIERE AT NASHVILLE OPERA DIRECTED BY JOHN HOOMES IN 2023. THE REGIONAL THEATER PREMIERE WAS AT AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER, SAN FRANCISCO; ARTISTIC DIRECTOR CAREY PERLOFF; EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ELLEN RICHARD; DIRECTED BY CHAY YEW.
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCES INCLUDE THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS & IDEAS, PRODUCED BY ARKTYPE IN 2013, AND NYTW AT THE HOPKINS CENTER FOR THE ARTS IN 2015.
STUCK ELEVATOR WAS SUPPORTED BY CREATIVE CAPITAL AND THE NEW ENGLAND FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS’ NATIONAL THEATER PROJECT. IT WAS DEVELOPED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SUNDANCE INSTITUTE THEATRE PROGRAM, ASIAN/ PACIFIC/AMERICAN INSTITUTE AT NYU, YALE INSTITUTE FOR MUSIC THEATRE, EDGERTON NEW PLAY FOUNDATION, AND NEA ART WORKS.
DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT FROM 4CULTURE, ARTIST TRUST, API/2, CITY OF SEATTLE OFFICE OF ARTS & CULTURAL AFFAIRS, HAND2MOUTH’S RISK/REWARD NEW PERFORMANCE FESTIVAL, MUSEUM OF CHINESE IN AMERICA, ON THE BOARDS, THEATER OFF JACKSON, AND WING LUKE MUSEUM OF THE ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN EXPERIENCE.
ALOHA MAI KĀKOU
WELCOME TO HAWAI’I OPERA THEATRE’S 2024/2025 SEASON!
At one time – which seems like both days ago and years –we had thought we’d be back at the Blaisdell Concert Hall by now. That seems so naïve, now. But in one of many “make it work” moments HOT has experienced since, say, March 2020, we’re thrilled to be back at the Blaisdell Arena. Although it is certainly a quirky venue, I believe it will work well for Stuck Elevator, the quirky opera/musical theatre hybrid that opens our season.
Stuck Elevator actually began its life as a piece of musical theatre in April 2013 at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theatre. Running for four weeks to soldout audiences, it received numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Original Musical award by the Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle. The San Francisco Chronicle hailed it as “a vibrant operamusical theater hybrid with a story both personally compelling and eye-opening.”
Flash forward nearly a decade when Nashville Opera’s John Hoomes contacted composer Bryon Au Yong to see if he’d be interested in expanding Stuck Elevator to make it more operatic in scope. The result premiered in January 2023. HOT Artistic Director Jamie Offenbach brought the work to my attention, and I’m thrilled to be able to bring the Nashville production –adapted for HOT – to Honolulu.
A Chinese exchange student at Vanderbilt University attended one of the Nashville performances as part of a school assignment. I’d like to share two short quotes from the essay they wrote about the production:
“I was genuinely taken aback by how many similarities I saw between myself and Guang, despite our completely different life experiences, social standings, and reasons for coming to the United States. The libretto and vocal technique made for many comedic moments, but what truly resonated with me the most were the somber recounts of Guang’s journey to America and his vision of his family.”
“Stuck Elevator may not be a conventional choice for a first live opera –– the description of the work deems itself a ‘comic-rap-scrap-metal-opera’ –– but I have no regret at all in making it my first. It evoked my interest in this niche genre of the performing arts characterized by its dramatized yet hauntingly realistic depiction of its characters –– opera.”
I know ‘comic-rap-scrap-metal-opera’ might have been off-putting to some of our longtime, devoted patrons. But whether this is your first HOT performance or your 100th, I’m thrilled you took a chance by being here with us for Stuck Elevator
Mahalo nui for believing that opera can and should plan a vital role in building a robust and sustainable community. Art means nothing without an audience!
Andrew Morgan GENERAL DIRECTOR & CEO
A hui hou!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT
Steven Prieto
VICE PRESIDENTS
Linda C. Nelson
Curtis T. Thompson, M.D.
SECRETARY
Marrie Schaefer
TREASURER
Linda C. Nelson
COUNSEL
John L. Knorek, Esq.
PRESIDENT EMERITUS
James H. McCoy
DIRECTORS
Dorette P.S.
STAFF
GENERAL DIRECTOR & CEO
Andrew Morgan
ADMINISTRATION
Chief of Staff
Stuart Zwagil
Finance Manager
Elgin Caballa
ARTISTIC
Artistic Director
Jamie J. Offenbach
Artistic Manager
Blythe Kelsey
Artistic Administrator
Karen Uehara
Richard
Adrienne Wing, M.D.
*Deceased
EMERITUS
Helen
Robert
DEVELOPMENT
Director of Development
Regi Lammers
Development & Events Manager
Natalie Mitchell
EDUCATION
Director of Education Programs
Erik D. Haines
Education Operations Manager
Kawaiola Murray
Education Music Specialist
Eric Schank
MARKETING & BOX OFFICE
Director of Marketing & Communications
Elizabeth E. Wilson
Box Office & Marketing Assistant
Ysabelle Cerrafon
Box Office Manager Lore Ramiro
PRODUCTION Director of Production
Gordon P. Svec
NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
Aloha Hawai’i Opera Theatre Ohana,
While we continue to perform in alternate facilities due to the Blaisdell Concert Hall shuttering, there are so many exciting and wonderful changes coming to HOT.
The energy and creativity of our staff and its leadership have some interesting and exciting musical programs in store for all of us, including the first ever professional production of a Hawaiian language Opera. The Sheltering Tree composed by Herb Mahelona and starring Quinn Kelsey will premiere in our 2025/2026 season.
The 2024/2025 season opens with Stuck Elevator, the dramatic true story of an immigrant delivery man trapped in an elevator for 81 hours. The show provides a personal entry point to thinking about and discussing topics that include immigration, labor, China, family obligation and fortune cookies for an undocumented immigrant in 21st-century America.
The season concludes April 11 & 13, 2025 with HOT presenting the world’s most popular opera – Carmen, and though you may not know it, you already love the music.
HOT’s STUDIO101 presents cabaretstyle entertainment for every musical taste. If you haven’t yet made it to one of the evening programs, please see the 101 season on page 19 for information on upcoming shows. We showcase mostly local talent in a relaxed and endlessly creative environment and drinks are included, of course!
My personal mahalo for being here and for supporting Hawai’i Opera Theatre. This is your opera company, so as we look to the future, we plan to be telling stories for everyone.
Kind regards,
Steve Prieto, President BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THIS PRODUCTION IS MADE POSSIBLE
, IN PART, BY THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS
SEASON SPONSOR
John R. Halligan Charitable Fund
MAE. Z. ORVIS OPERA STUDIO SPONSOR
The Arthur & Mae Orvis Foundation, Inc.
PRODUCTION SPONSORS
Cooke Foundation, Ltd.
First Hawaiian Bank Foundation
Halekulani Corporation
Kosasa Foundation
Dorette P.S Luke,
In memory of Theodore K.W. Luke
Richard Q.Y. & Esther A. Wong Fund
The Clarence T. C. Ching Foundation
Terrina Wong
Phyllis Wong
National Endowment for the Arts
SUPERTITILES SPONSOR
Clifford K.H. & Adrienne Wing Lau
STUCK ELEVATOR
MUSIC BY Byron Au Yong LIBRETTO BY Aaron Jafferis
CAST
GUANG
Taka Komagata
MING/ENSEMBLE:
Helen Zhibing Huang
ARTISTIC TEAM
CONDUCTOR
Dean Williamson*
DIRECTOR
John Hoomes*
REPETITEUR & PERFORMANCE PIANIST
Sun Ha Yoon
ORCHESTRA PERSONNEL MANAGER
Megan Wade
MARCO/ENSEMBLE
Luis Alejandro Orozco*
WANG YUE/ENSEMBLE
Joseph Lim*
ZHONG YI/ENSEMBLE
Paul Chwe MinChul An*
* Hot Debut
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Sandy Sandelin
ASSOCIATE SCENIC DESIGNER
Michelle A. Bisbee
COSTUME SUPERVISOR
Katherine James
WIG & MAKEUP DESIGNER
Mei Chibana
ADDITIONAL
ARTISTIC & PRODUCTION STAFF
PROPS MANAGER
Gen Boyer
STAGE MANAGER
Jason Ichiyama
HSO GENERAL MANAGER
Merle Bratlie
Assistant Stage Managers
Valerie Ho
Miki Shattuck
Fight Coordinator
Kathryn Mariko Lee
Assistant Wig & Makeup Designer
Kevin T. Murata
Running Crew
I.A.T.S.E Local 665
I.A.T.S.E Local 665
Union Steward
Al Omo
Supertitles Operator
Kazumi Takemasa
Supertitles - Mandarin Translations
Niklaus Thrapp
Backstage Security Coordinator
Miu Lan Oman
*HOT Debut
SYN OPS IS
Guang is a 38-year-old undocumented immigrant from Changle, Fujian Province, China, where his wife, Ming, and his 8-year old son, Wang Yue, remain. Guang works as a food deliveryman for Happy Dragon Chinese Restaurant in the Bronx to earn money to bring his family to America, but first he has to pay off the remaining $80,000 of his $120,000 debt to Snakehead, the human trafficker who arranged passage for Guang and his 22-year-old nephew to the Unites States, hidden away in the bowels of a container ship.
SYNOPSIS
At 6:55 p.m. on a Friday, after Guang makes a delivery to the 38th floor of an apartment building, his elevator malfunctions, dropping more than 30 floors, sticking briefly at the 7th floor, falling again, and then stopping for good between the third and fourth floors. The elevator is stuck. The doors won’t open. Guang debates pushing the alarm button to call for help. He is reluctant to try the intercom, fearing that if the police show up, they will want to see the immigration papers he does not have. He decides to wait for a repairman or a resident to notice that the elevator is out of commission. It’s a holiday weekend. No one notices.
Guang marks time not only in minutes (then hours), but also by the amount of tip money he is losing to his friend/ competitor, Marco, a rival deliveryman from Tlaxcala, Mexico, to whom he sold his cell phone days earlier.
Guang wonders if he should try to break down the elevator’s doors like his macho brother-in-law, the ex-soldier Zhong Yi, would do. Zhong Yi found a new girlfriend, abandoned Guang’s
pregnant sister, and moved to Hong Kong. Zhong Yi’s son (Guang’s nephew) was on his way to America with Guang but was overcome by dehydration during the long passage across the ocean.
Guang begins to eat the fortune cookies and sauce packets that he carries with him on deliveries. He thinks about his wife and son, and even imagines they are with him. He remembers how he used to whisper poems to Ming, his wife, while they lay in bed. He imagines her calling his cell phone only to have his co-worker Marco answer her in Spanish. This scene gives way to anxiety dreams about his job and the money he owes Snakehead, the human trafficker who got him to the USA at a high cost. Guang becomes angry at the elevator and the people in the apartment complex. He is sure they would notice him if he were the food he delivered to them, instead of an invisible, faceless immigrant.
Guang’s mind wanders back to when he and his nephew’s traveled across the sea in a cramped cargo container and the time when he was mugged at gunpoint and lost $200. The memory of his assailant becomes his own bladder. Guang wets himself in his sleep. He wakes up ashamed.
As Guang begins to fade from worsening thirst and hunger, his world becomes increasingly surreal.
Photo courtesy of HUFFPOST, for American Conservatory Theater
The elevator buttons become the buttons on a slot machine in Atlantic City, and when he hits the alarm, he wins the jackpot, but soon realizes that his winning green card ticket is a takeout menu. Later, he speaks into one of the takeout menus he is carrying, folds it into a paper airplane, and sends it across continents and oceans to his wife. She responds, expressing her unhappiness at remaining in China as a factory worker. An airplane letter from his disappointed son follows—he wonders when he will be able to join his father in America.
Guang dreams that he is competing in a pro-wrestling match, announced by Marco, with a monster version of the elevator. After going two rounds with the Elevator Monster, Guang tags out. Fortune Cookie Monster tags into his place and does some damage to Elevator Monster. Gaining the upper hand, Elevator Monster rips off Fortune Cookie Monster’s mask to reveal Ming. Ming is taken hostage, while a stunned Guang watches helplessly.
Guang wakes up. It was a dream. He has been stuck in the elevator now for 38 hours straight.
Hunger overtakes Guang. The pain of hunger weaves itself into the pain of being separated from his family. Zhong Yi appears and tries to convince Guang to forget about his family. If he did, he could use the money he has been saving to start his own restaurant, a buffet. Ming and Wang Yue appear and plead to Guang to not abandon them.
Guang becomes disoriented. Immigration agents enter. They mock and attack Guang. The ICE agents beat Guang when he resists. Guang thinks he is dying and sings a farewell song to his wife. But he then discovers that what he thinks is blood is actually his last packet of hot sauce which has leaked into his pocket. Guang’s imagines the city of New York waking up with dawn, as he would begin his daily deliveries. The elevator fades away around him. Guang is bicycling through the early morning sky over NYC. He flies over the city, buoyed by a choir of voices of city workers and immigrants. He feels at one with the world.
There is “bing” sound. The elevator doors open — 81 hours after trapping him. Guang sits up. He is finally free. He hesitantly steps out of the elevator, looks around the deserted hallway. Guang tentatively walks down the dusky corridor and steps into the city which embraces him in its noise and darkness.
The indifferent sounds of the city begin to rise - louder, louder, louder and…
BLACKOUT
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
The idea of this production of Stuck Elevator started a long time ago in spring of 2006. I was in rehearsals for a largescale production of Puccini’s Turandot. A good friend was in the cast and singing the role of one of the high priests. During a break, I asked him what was coming up next for him. He told me he was going to be workshopping and developing a new work called Stuck Elevator. This was a strange and memorable title, and the more I heard, the more I was intrigued by this odd sounding opera/music theater hybrid. In 2006, the idea of a piece which blended the worlds of opera and music theater was a quite unusual thing (not so much anymore). So, perhaps Stuck Elevator was just way ahead of its time.
The plot of the show was inspired by the true story of an undocumented immigrant named Ming Kuang Chen, a Chinese-food deliveryman, who was trapped in a Bronx elevator for a long, holiday weekend in 2005. In the show, the deliveryman (now named Guang), is a Chinese restaurant deliveryman (who speaks limited English) and is trapped in an elevator for 81 hours. Because Guang is an undocumented immigrant, he hesitates to call for help, fearing the authorities will discover his status and send him back to China. As he waits for someone to discover his precarious situation. But after hours of waiting turn into days, Guang is forced to deal with his overpowering hunger, his over-active bladder, his thoughts of his family back home, and his slowly deteriorating sense of reality. It was an interesting
and different idea for an opera, and while it was certainly not a traditional story, I felt the work was a fascinating and compelling creation that proves interesting ideas can sometimes often come out of the strangest circumstances.
The more I researched the show, the more the diverse musical styles stood out. The music covered extremely diverse territory, utilizing everything from emotional musical theater styled ballads to melodic operatic arias to hip-hop influenced comic diatribes - all in service to tell the show’s fascinating story. I think one of the things I liked most was the whiplash turns of the plot that shifted from surreal comic fantasy to emotional and poignant reflection, to nail biting tension. I found the fantastically eclectic musical score was by turns accessible, melodic, engaging and at times operatically soaring. The characters felt extremely relatable to anyone who has ever sought the American dream.
But the big thing about the opera that really surprised me was that so much of the show was funny. Most contemporary operas are bereft of any humor, but Stuck Elevator (while ultimately a serious story) revels in the opportunity to present the humorous side of a potentially dire situation. And this combination of lightness and darkness are what make this work such an humorous, moving, and ultimately human experience.
John Hoomes DIRECTOR, STUCK ELEVATOR CEO & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, NASHVILLE OPERA
HAWAI‘I
ARTIST PROFILES
GUANG Taka Komagata
Praised for his “soaring lines” and “particularly lyricial” singing (Boston Musical Intelligencer), tenor Taka Komagata brings “earnest gusto” (The Boston Globe) to his performance. In the 2023/2024 season, he debuts with Pacific Opera Project as Goro in Madama Butterfly and returns to Hawai’i Opera Theatre as Parpignol in La Boheme. Recent highlights include role debut in The Elixir of Love and The Secret Garden, tenor soloist in Mozart’s Requiem, and starring in the world premiere of Ellis.
MING Helen Zhibing Huang
Chinese-born soprano Helen Zhibing Huang, described as “impressive” by The New York Times for her portrayal of Pamina in The Magic Flute at the Glimmerglass Festival, continues to shine in her various roles. She reprised her role of Setsuko in An American Dream with Hawai‘ i Opera Threatre, covered Lina Song in the world premiere of Emigre with the New York Philharmonic, and returned as soprano soloist for Faure’s Requiem and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Huang’s extensive credits include performances with leading opera companies across the U/S, and she is the cofounder of Wear Yellow Proudly.
MARCO Luis Alejandro Orozco
Mexican-American baritone Luis Orozco, a Juárez, Mexico native, has been praised for his “voluminous baritone and beautiful legato.” In the 2023-2024 season, he sang Malatesta in Don Pasquale with Opera Omaha, returned to Nashville Opera as Riolobo in Florencia en el Amazonas, and performed as Leporello in Don Giovanni with Vero Beach Opera. Other engagements included Maximilian in Candide with Madison Opera and George in Sunday in the Park with George with El Paso Opera. Last season, Orozco returned to the Metropolitan Opera as a Flemish Deputy in Don Carlos, and performed Marcello in La bohème, the title role in Don Giovanni, and Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia He made his Met debut in 2021-2022 as the Prime Minister in Cendrillon and has performed internationally, including roles in María de Buenos Aires and Carmen.
WANG YUE Joseph Lim
Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Wang Yue’s Nephew/Ensemble is an accomplished artist with recent and upcoming productions including Silvio in I Pagliacci with Nashville Opera, El Dancairo (cover) in Carmen at The Metropolitan Opera, Tiger/Rooster in Big Swim with Houston Grand Opera, and Marcello in La Bohème at Lotte Concert Hall. His career highlights include roles as the Deputy in Don Carlo at The Metropolitan Opera, Schaunard in La Bohème with Deutsche Oper am Rhein, Papageno in The Magic Flute with Roanoke Opera, and Don Giovanni in Don Giovanni with Seoul Metropolitan Opera.
ZHONG YI Paul Chwe MinChul An
Paul Chwe MinChul An is a critically acclaimed Korean-American bass singer with over two decades of experience. He has originated more than 20 roles across opera, theater, film, and concert, and performed over 50 traditional roles, working with companies like LA Opera and Chicago Opera Theater. As an oratorio soloist, he has collaborated with top ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic. Known for his versatility, Paul thrives in originating roles and has worked with artists like Meredith Monk. He is also dedicated to supporting underrepresented artists through his work with performing arts organizations and Queens Voice Lab.
STAGE DIRECTOR John Hoomes
Hailing from Mobile, AL, John Hoome’s recent and upcoming productions include La Traviata with Opera North Carolina, Pagliacci with Nashville Opera, Die Fledermaus with Pensacola Opera, and The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat with Nashville Opera. Career highlights include Florencia en el Amazonas at New York City Opera, Elmer Gantry with Nashville Opera, Three Way at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Don Giovanni with Florentine Opera.
CONDUCTOR Dean Williamson
Dean Williamson, music director of Nashville Opera, is known for his insightful and commanding conducting. A co-founder of the Seattle Opera Young Artist Program and former artistic director of Opera Cleveland, he has conducted for companies like Seattle Opera, San Francisco Opera, and New York City Opera. At Nashville Opera, his notable recordings include Michael Nyman’s works and Carly Simon’s Romulus Hunt, with his Le Comte Ory video earning an Emmy nomination. Williamson frequently judges for the Metropolitan Opera National Council and teaches masterclasses at top institutions. As a pianist, he has accompanied artists worldwide.
REPETITEUR & PERFORMANCE PIANIST Sun Ha Yoon
Sun Ha Yoon, originally from Seoul, South Korea, is a principal coach at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and a former Adler Fellow at San Francisco Opera, where she worked on major productions like La Bohème and The Magic Flute. She has coached and performed with Opera San Jose and Music Academy of the West. A Marilyn Horne Foundation Competition winner, she made her Carnegie Hall debut with soprano Megan Hart. Yoon holds a doctorate in collaborative piano from the University of Maryland and degrees from The Juilliard School and Seoul National University.
ASSOCIATE SCENIC DESIGNER Michelle E. Bisbee
Michelle A. Bisbee, from Mayfield Heights, OH, is an Associate Scenic Designer currently working on Carmen with Hawai’i Opera Theatre and What the Constitution Means to Me with Manoa Valley Theatre. Her credits include Death of a Salesman and La Bohème with HOT, and Hay Fever with Lyric Repertory Company. Career highlights include working with Cirque du Soleil and being the first in her family to earn both an undergraduate and Master’s Degree.
WIG & MAKEUP DESIGNER Mei Chibana
Mei Chibana, from Honolulu, Hawaii, is a Wig and Makeup Designer. Her recent work includes Gianni Schicchi, La Bohème, and Pagliacci with Hawai’i Opera Theatre, as well as Haunted Plantation and 1706 with 17A Productions. Notably, this marks her 20th season with HOT.
STAGE MANAGER Jason Ichiyama
Jason Ichiyama, from Honolulu, HI, is a Stage Manager with recent and upcoming productions including La Bohème and Pagliacci with Hawai’i Opera Theatre (HOT) in 2024, as well as Dear Evan Hansen with Manoa Valley Theatre (MVT). His recent work also includes An American Dream with HOT and The Play That Goes Wrong at MVT in 2023.
HAWAIʻI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
VIOLIN
Ignace Jang
CELLO
Pauline Bai
PERCUSSION
Jordan Schifino
ORCHESTRA PERSONNEL MANAGER
Megan Wade
ORCHESTRA LIBRARIAN
Kim Kiyabu
HSO GENERAL MANAGER
Merle Bratlie
INSPIRING STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY WITH OPERA
Our nationally recognized education outreach programs reach more than 15,000 students on O’ahu and neighbor islands annually.
ORVIS YOUNG VOICES STUDIO
A free program designed for high schoolers that provides young singers in Hawai‘i the opportunity to explore the world of voice performance through workshops and master classes with guest clinicians.
HOT OPERA RESIDENCY
The HOT Opera Residency Program brings the HOT Education team into schools and leads students and teachers through the process of producing, rehearsing, and performing an opera.
OPERA EXPRESS
A student-friendly mini-opera designed to take “on tour” to schools. In addition to being an inspirational experience with live music and drama, this show can also be used to enhance curriculums and bolster art programs. ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT! BRING AN OPERA TO YOUR SCHOOL FOR ONLY $325!
Interested in engaging with our education programs or have questions? Reach out at education@hawaiiopera.org or call
HOT’S EDUCATION PROGRAMS ARE MADE POSSIBLE, IN PART, BY THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS:
Stephanie Araki
Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation
Robert Emens Black Fund
The Bretzlaff Foundation, Inc.
Broadway in Hawaii
City & County of Honolulu
GuavaGar Westfall Charitable Fund
Hawaii State Foundation on Culture & The Arts
Hearst Foundations
Sheree* & Levani Lipton
Dorette P.S. Luke
The Arthur and Mae Orvis Foundation, Inc.
Helene “Sam” Shenkus
Annie Sinclair Knudsen Memorial Fund
Strong Foundation
C S Teramoto
Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation
G.N. Wilcox Trust
Clifford K.H. & Adrienne Wing Lau
Michael & Theresa Ysrael
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Hawai‘ i Opera Theatre extends its deepest appreciation to the many individuals, foundations, government entities, and corporations whose generous support keeps the power of opera alive in our island home. Contributed revenue accounts for over 70% of all income that sustains the company’s activities. Listed gifts were received between December 2022 and April 2024.
INDIVIDUAL GIVING
$20,000 AND ABOVE
Carolyn A. Berry Wilson
Julia Frohlich Cherry
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David Franklin & Ruedi Thoeni
Stephen & Diane Heiman
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Sheree* & Levani Lipton
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Anonymous (2)
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Anonymous
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$10,000 - $19,999
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$7,500 - $9,999
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Anonymous (2)
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Anonymous (2)
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$2,500 - $4,999
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$2,000 - $2,499
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$1,200 - $1,999
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Anonymous (7)
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JP Snyder
Mary L. Spadaro
Susan E. Stahl
Lt. Col. (Ret) Paul & Judith Stankiewicz
Anthony & Kumiko Strauss
Carol A. Takaki
Phil A. Tecau
Dr. & Mrs. John B. Thompson
Maggie Walker
JD & Sandra Webb
Dr. Eldon L. Wegner
Gary A. Willer, MD
Dean Yamamoto
Valerie Yee
$300 - $599
Herbert & Joyce Dauber
Hélène B. “Leni” Davis
Jennifer Du-Forstner
Janice Durham-Worthington & Richard
Worthington
Ernestine Enomoto
Brandon & Stephanie Eshenour
Louise Evins
David Falls
Paul & Jane Field
Suzanne Finney
Jeffrey M. Fox
Mary Jo Freshley
Heidi Fujimoto
Jan & Jim George
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Giuli
Emilio Gomez
Jeffrey & Elizabeth Grad
Priscilla Growney
Dr. Shadia R. Habbal
Joshua & Joanna Habermann
Erik D. Haines & Deborah Okada
Kimberley Haines
Dr. Leon Hallacher & Dr. Kennith Simmons
Stacy Han
Patricia Harrell-Lakatos & Linda Martell
Lani Hearn
David Heaton
Noah Hedrick
Nery L. Heenan
Lyle E. Hendricks
J. Patrick Henry, PhD
Elyse Himmelstein
Chris Hochuli
Dr. David Horio & Ms. Teresa Pytel
Joanne Howard
Julie Hsu
Louise Ing
AnnMarie Ingham
Isaam Isaac
Patricia Iwamoto
Annette & Allan Jim
Jean & Robert Johnson
Lee K. Kaneakua
Marcy & Robert Katz
Gary Kawachi
Estelle M. Kelley
Dr. Karl Kim & Dr. Shilla Yoon
Paul Kimi
Joan Koff
Don Kunihara
Regi Lammers
Lansdale & Deborah Lau
Mollie Lee
Van Lee
Lucretia Longo
Serena Longo
Anya Lundberg
Richard C. MacDonald
John & Amy MacKey
Lorrin & Karen Matsunaga
Dr. & Mrs. Philip McNamee
Douglas & Christina Meller
David H. Messer & Ann Hartman
Sharon A. Minami
Patty & Blake Moore
Mark & Lynn Murakami
Nelson & Ellen Nagaue
Martha Nakajima
Lee T. Nakamura & Faye M. Koyanagi
Natalie Narito
Mrs. Leinell Newman
Sam & Carolyn Ng
Sarene Oda
Carol Aki
Anonymous (7)
Drs. Kuhio & Claire Asam
John Ashby
Judy Barrett, Realtor
Masako Bellinger
Dr. Janaki & Dan Berman
Cordelia Birrell
Caroline Bond Davis
Christie Bridges
Dr. Steven and Opal Buchthal
Lida G. Chase
Jim & Sally Clemens
Denis & Aletha Coleman
John Oki & Joy Miyasaki
Taylor Otte
Tim & Karlee Palms
Taliana K. Pasi
Jeannette Pease
H. Y. Pierce
Colonel & Mrs. Karl P. Piotrowski
J. William Potter, Jr.
Anne Marie Puglisi
James & Jane Redmond
Rai Saint Chu & Richard Turbin
Victoria Sakai
Heather Salonga
Gordon Sam
M.K. Sanders
Michelle & Jack Schneider
Debra Shimabukuro
Dr. & Mrs. Toufiq Siddiqi
Mr. & Mrs. John Southworth
Mr. & Mrs. David Starz
Patricia & William Steinhoff
Tabuchi Family
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin H. Takamori
Glenn & Elizabeth Tango
Joyce Tomonari
Dr. Henry G. Trapido-Rosenthal
Anita Trubitt
Rochelle Uchibori
Donna Walker
Suzanne Watanabe Lai
Leslie Wilson
G. Todd Withy & Jean Malia Withy
Terrina Wong
Robert & Sheila Wrede
Pearl Yamanouchi
Ashley Yann
Glenn & Sharon Yokoyama
Julian Young
$150 - $299
Marcia E. Croft
Jim & Anne Marie Duca
Bruse Eckmann
Richard & Brendan Ethington
Freda Feng
Peter & Jan Flachsbart
Colleen Furuya
Meg Garlin
Dr. & Mrs. Werner H. Grebe
Dawn Harflinger
Katrina Heiser
Lester & Carolyn Inouye
The Ito Family
Randy & Jean Kawamoto
ACCOUNTANTS
Linda C. Nelson
ARCHITECTS
Emily Gillmar
LAWYERS
Naoko Miyamoto
Jean Malia Withy, Esq.
Beth Tarter & Nathan Sult
Charles R. Wichman
G. Todd Withy, Esq.
City & County of Honolulu
John R. Halligan Charitable Fund
Hearst Foundations
The Estate of Kenneth C. Bibee
Carol Franc Buck Foundation
Atherton Family Foundation
Robert Emens Black Fund
The Bretzlaff Foundation, Inc.
The Cades Foundation
Cooke Foundation, Ltd.
First Hawaiian Bank Foundation
PHYSICIANS
Dr. Roger & Felice Brault
Dr. & Mrs. Werner H. Grebe
Clifford K.H. Lau, MD & Adrienne Wing, MD
Dr. & Mrs. William Pearl
Kevin Wooley, MD
Dr. Ronald Yanagihara
REALTORS
Bruse Eckmann
Jeffrey M. Fox
Scott D. Larimer
$50,000+
The Arthur and Mae Orvis Foundation, Inc. Strong Foundation
$25,000 - $49,999
McInerny Foundation MISENO
$10,000 - $24,999
Kosasa Foundation
Leahi Swim School
Lemman Family Foundation
Merrill Lynch
National Endowment for the Arts
John Young Foundation
Hawaii State Foundation on Culture & The Arts
$5,000 - $9,999
Anonymous (1)
Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation
Bank of Hawaii
BMW Honolulu
Dods Foundation
First Hawaiian Bank
Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel
GuavaGar Westfall Charitable Fund
AC Hotels
Bank of America
Broadway in Hawaii
Foodland Super Market, Ltd.
Halekulani Corporation
Honolulu Lodge
MacNaughton
Neiman Marcus
Sheraton Waikiki & Kyo-ya Hotels
Annie Sinclair Knudsen Memorial Fund
Torkildson Katz, A Law Corporation
G.N. Wilcox Trust
$1,000 - $4,999
NMG Network Servco
Elsie H. Wilcox Foundation
TRIBUTES
DAVID FRANKLIN & RUEDI THOENI
Isobel Wiener
HOT BLUE HAWAI’I & LESLIE GOLDMAN
Rae & Ed Sultan
LYNNE JOHNSON
Linda C. Nelson
Bob & Terri Ryan IN HONOR OF
TERRY AH YO
Erik D. Haines & Deborah Okada
PAUL HOLUALOA AKAU
Zeoma Akau
HENRY G. AKINA
Anonymous (2)
Peter & Raulette Carson
Fredrica Cassiday
Julia Frohlich Cherry
Michael Ching
Herbert & Joyce Dauber
Susan Duprey
Phyllis S. Haines
Katherine James
Bonnie Louise Judd
Robert & Marcy Katz
Floria (Lori) Komer
Susan M. Kosasa
Douglas G. Kreider
Dorette P.S. Luke
Dr. & Mrs. Philip McNamee
John & Zoe Mount
Dr. & Mrs. G. Manning Richards
Suzanne Watanabe Lai
Charles R. Wichman
Valerie Yee
CAROLYN A. BERRY WILSON
Jason & Beverly Kravitt
ANDREW MORGAN & DANNY RICHARD
Bill Morgan & Gwen Herrin
DANIEL MORGAN
Katharine E. Morgan
NOLA NAHULU
Erik D. Haines & Deborah Okada
ERIC SCHANK
Erik D. Haines & Deborah Okada
MARIA VALDES
PETER R. BROWN
Anonymous
JUNE R. CHAMBERS
Anonymous
Trevor & Kulia Cates
Erik D. Haines & Deborah Okada
Mark & Rhoda James
Floria (Lori) Komer
Brooke Puder
BEEBE FREITAS
Stephanie Araki
Deane & Sherrilyn Shephard
Phyllis S. Haines
ARMAN KITAPCI
Anita Trubitt
GRACE KOHATSU
Anne Harpham
DR. C. DEXTER LUFKIN
Michael W. Hackney
THEODORE K.W. LUKE
Dorette P.S. Luke
MARK FIEDLER LUNDBERG, HELDENTENOR
Anya Lundberg
NORMA NICHOLS
Jean McIntosh
DAVID OMAN
Charles & Pauline Lindberg
TEVITA KUILA PASI
Taliana K. Pasi
JENNIFER “JEN” TAKAKI
The Hallacher Family
JOSEPH K. WEE
Carla Klein
MICHELINE & HEATON L. WRENN, JR.
Gregory Wrenn & Robert Pyburn
Estate of Henry G. Akina
Linn Alber
Estate of June R. Anderson
Anonymous (3)
William & Gail Atwater
Estate of Ruth Ballard
Estate of Nancy Bannick
Estate of Gilbert & Sarah Beson
Estate of Robert Berssenbrugge
Estate of Kenneth C. Bibee
Estate of Clara M. Boyer
Estate of Madeline Boyes
Nanna & George Bradford
Drs. Roger & Felice Brault
Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Bunn
Mary (Candy) Cassarno
Julia Frohlich Cherry
The Estate of Henry B. Clark
Marilyn “Lyn” Clarkin
Estate of Conrad G. Conrad, III
Ann & Dougal Crowe
Michael W. Dabney
Estate of Luryier Diamond
Estate of Hope Doyle
Estate of Sally H. Edwards
Suzanne B. Engel
David Franklin & Ruedi Thoeni
Ray Galas
Estate of Marguerite E. Gonsalves
Estate of Rhoda Hackler
Estate of Iris Hallaran
Estate of Jean Mackay Harling
Estate of Robert Hines
Tom & Gloria Huber
Estate of Margaret L. Inskeep
Estate of Richard G. Inskeep
Keith Kalway
Dr. & Mrs. Daniel H. Katayama
Richard Kennedy & Steven Prieto
Jason & Beverly Kravitt
Evelyn B. Lance
Estate of Mireille Leitich
Estate of John V. Levas
Dorette P.S. Luke
Estate of Natalie Mahoney
Estate of Margaret Montgomery
Randolph Moore & Lynne Johnson
Andrew Morgan & Danny Richard
Estate of Leon & Gloria Munson
Estate of Judith Neale
Linda C. Nelson
Estate of Marita L. Nelson
ACT II VOLUNTEERS
Erin R. Choy
Marian Conroy
Louise Kuba
Naomi Loewe
Joyce Tomonari
Costume Shop Volunteers
Ruth O. Bingham
Dr. Shana Brown
Dr. Jingwoan Chang
Tristy Chun
Amy Iwano
Estate of Norma B. Nichols
Nancy Peacock
Cherye & James Pierce
Joyce Quigley
Dr. & Mrs. G. Manning
Richards
Jean E. Rolles
Estate of D. Haigh Roop
Jeff Rowe
Renate Ryan
Major General & Mrs. Cecil A. Ryder Jr.
Estate of Julia E. Schoen
Estate of Ames Arlen Scott
Estate of Robert Sebring
Estate of Nancy Lea Skelsey
Estate of Richard Stead
Miles K. & Reverie N. Suzuki
Curtis T. Thompson, MD
Estate of Hope Troyer
Estate of John Michael White
Stephen & Dana Wilson
Clifford K.H. & Adrienne Wing Lau
William Zanella, PhD
Lynne Johnson
Ryker Lammers
Justin Riviera
Niklaus Thrapp
Melanise Washington
Phyllis Wong
Terrina Wong
BUT WAIT... THERE’S MORE!
Stay after this performance for a short panel discussion with community leaders on various topics present in Stuck Elevator, such as the plight of undocumented immigrants and human trafficking. We have partnered with the Pacific Gateway Center to share resources regarding immigration services, resources, trafficking victims assistance programs, and more.
MEET YOUR PANELISTS
Terrina Wong is Director of Immigration Social Servies for the Pacific Gateway Center, a local nonprofit with the mission of empowering low-income residents, immigrants, refugees and other vulnerable populations to achieve self-sufficiency through skill-building and access to opportunities while respecting cultural heritages.
Dr. Shana Brown is Director of the Honors Program and Associate Professor of History at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Dr. Brown is a historian of science and culture in Asia, particularly modern China. Among her many areas of expertise is post-1965 immigration, in particular early-to-mid 20th century Chinese immigrants in Hawaii
Dr. Jingwoan Chang is a World Languages Resource Teacher with the Hawaii State Department of Education. She taught K-12 Mandarin Chinese in public and private schools in Chicago and Honolulu before pursuing a doctorate in the Curriculum Studies department at UH Manoa with a strong focus on social justice. Her dissertation project focused on how K-12 educators in Hawaii defined and implemented social justice education.
John Hoomes
Stage Director for Stuck Elevator and Artistic Director & CEO for Nashville Opera
Dean Williamson Conductor for Stuck Elevator
Byron Au Yong Composer for Stuck Elevator
Andrew P. Morgan
General Director & CEO of Hawai’i Opera Theatre
PACIFIC GATEWAY CENTER
