Hawaii Opera Theatre

Good show. Nice temporary location at Moanalua. There was a nice display about Honouliuli war camp. Very nice voices and effective set. Too bad I was so far back I couldn't see their expressions. Very informative and makes one think about past, present, and future.

HOT's STUDIO101 - the black box creative space at 848 S Beretania St at Ward is the best NYC style cabaret club in Honolulu: Small tables of 4; everyone close to the performers, roughly 100 or so persons. You get to meet your table neighbors and enjoy a cocktail and light pupus with the purchase of a ticket. The vocalizing is NOT miked-all natural voices accompanied by piano or other instruments. Parking is free right in back of the theater; and free on the street after 6p. I attended a preview of the new Opera Season held on Sep 18, 2024. The company showcased several of the singers and arias from the operas: Stuck Elevator and Carmen. Here's their website: hawaiiopera.org

My party and I attended an early preview of the opera Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini with an Italian libretto. The story takes place in the port city of Nagasaki, Japan during the early 1900s. A young, beautiful geisha (Cio-Cio-san aka Madama Butterfly) falls in love with an American naval officer (B.F. Pinkerton). She chooses to forasake her family and religious beliefs in order to marry him and become his devoted wife. (***SPOILER ALERT***) This opera evoked so much emotion. The love, tenderness, and passion shared between the two main characters was so palpable, I almost felt like I was invading their privacy. Cio-Cio-san's love, devotion, and unyielding trust in her husband was truly admirable yet also her tragic demise. My heart broke for her in the end. Everyone wants a happy ending to a love story, but this was not it. This instead was gripping and heart wrenching. A portrayal of innocent love that's crushed by the harsh reality of the true world.The actors/actresses singing and performance were absolutely amazing! I enjoyed everything about this opera from the orchestra, to the props, costumes, and background effects. This was such a pure delight for me and what opera (imo) is all about.

The Honolulu Opera Theater (HOT) has concerts, plays, and of course...opera. We went to watch Mozart's Marriage of Figaro. I worry about the modern productions taking away from the historic specificity, but this production was well made with period dress, props, and set design. I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early to avoid parking traffic. The valet parking was $25 and regular parking was $8. The concert hall itself is decorated with modern wall art and art deco lighting. The carpet, chairs, and restrooms could use some updating, but overall it was a comfortable experience.During intermission you can order drinks and take them back into the hall. Some people pre-ordered their drinks before the show starts so they were ready at intermission.The bathroom line during intermission war pretty long and took about 10 minutes to die down.

The Tales of Hoffman, the last opera written by the great Jacques Offenbach, was actually never seen by the creator himself, who passed away before the first production of it was completed. Because of this and the fact it has been described many times as a "fantastical opera" there leaves much to the imagination and, have had many renditions performed. An entertaining tale of Hoffman's three great loves. Who can resist not wanting to see this, and relating to bits of it.Tonite we were treated to this delightful rendition by Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT). This opera also marked the end of an era, after more than 28 productions spanning over 20 years, it is the last opera Artistic Director H. Akina has directed before retiring. Akina, the first-ever Hawaii-born artistic director of the Hawaii Opera Theatre, is a graduate of Punahou High School and the Freie University, Berlin's graduate program. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Preis Honoree in Arts.Thank you HOT for such an entertaining evening. Thank you YELP for the opportunity! Thank you to Director Henry Akina for the many years and contributions in shaping H.O.T. to the world class opera theatre that we know today. Mahalo i Malama 'oe a hui hou. Thank you and take good care of yourself until we meet again.

I went here to see Cinderella last night... the show was cheap. It was cute for what it was but I would call that a musical not an opera BUT I did love love the voices of the prince and step mother. Cinderella's wasn't bad I still liked it but I'm just stating my opinion. She still had a beautiful voice. Now the venue itself I think is beautiful. It was my first time seeing something like that in Hawaii. I'm not from here so it was exciting being there. I'll definitely come back to see another show

I've been a season ticket holder since 1994. Opera is the perfect combination of classical music, drama, stagecraft and a communal experience with an appreciative audience. I've never seen an opera outside of Honolulu so I can't compare the quality of an HOT opera to what you would see elsewhere. However, most of the principal singers in HOT productions are from around the world. Opera singers, like everyone else in the world, probably love to come to Hawaii for a couple of weeks, so HOT can attract a talented roster of singers.For those who have never attended an opera and want to see one, I suggest waiting for an opera with music you've heard, like Carmen, Madame Butterfly or Rigoletto. It may be more enjoyable seeing the music from Looney Tunes or a TV ad come to life.The orchestra seats are closer to the action than the balcony seats so if you want to see the singers up close, you may want to sit closer to the stage in the orchestra section. I think the sound quality is better in the balcony seats, but that's my preference. Come a little early as the walk from the parking in the Blaisdell lot to the concert hall can take 10 minutes depending on where you park. There are concession stands for food and drinks if you forget to eat before you come. HOT hosts "lanai lectures" before the opera where a speaker will give a run down of the opera and provide historical context and some insights. Sometimes, there is entertainment before the opera. Tonight, before and during the first intermission for Carmen, a trio (or was it a quartet?) played Django Reinhardt/Stephane Grappelli jazz tunes in the hall entrance in keeping with the opera's gypsy theme. Most of all, enjoy!

First and foremost thank you Yelp, Emi, Cathy T, Maka of the Orange Shoes, Raelyn and HOT for an outstanding event. Well planned, well organized and well executed. I could not believe how many Yelpsters were there. Many familiar faces and many not so familiar but they are the up and coming group.The opera was based on a fictional serial killer named Sweeney Todd, FKA Benjamin Barker and his sinister partnership with Mrs. Lovitt. The Demon Barber of Fleet Street back in London to avenge the loss of his lovely wife and the loss of some 12 years of his life. Quite the story, fabulously dark and malevolent. For those of us who are Johnny Depp fans this was made into an Oscar winning movie directed by Tim Burton and costaring Helen Bonham Carter in 2007. The Hot performance did the opera proudly and for a dress rehearsal it was fun and entertaining. I hope they do well.Thank you again Yelp for introducing so many to HOT.

HOT is handling the group sales for Broadway in Hawaii. I took advantage of the group sale prices for both Phantom & Rent. The staff here was fantastic and helpful. We need more Broadway shows in Hawaii and I hope they are able to bring more shows here in the future.

To start, I literally have never written a review about anything before but last night I went to the Pagliacci show at the Blaisdell put on by HOT and it was by far one of the worst things I have ever seen. especially considering I paid the insane price of $50 per ticket. During the entire first act the cast was wearing dickies. The show was not entertaining and a third of the sign translating what they were saying was covered by peoples heads. If there was an intermission I would have taken the opportunity to walk out and leave. Big waste of time