On the corner of Bethel and Merchant streets in Downtown Honolulu, Kumu Kahua Theatre is closing out the year with seasonal improv shows and spirited directing challenges to help support its cause.
There is still time to purchase tickets for “The Work,” where on three separate evenings, two directors will face off staging the same unrehearsed scene and actors in a limited amount of time. The live audience will then select their favorite. Two will move on to the ultimate challenge on Sunday, Dec. 21.
To purchase tickets, go here. Holiday-inspired concessions will also be sold, with all proceeds benefiting Kumu Kahua Theatre.
"We are about halfway to our goal of $10,000 for the shows. All of the funds go directly into our general operating budget, which is very important because, while we seek sponsorships and grants for specific programming, fundraisers like this help us meet our day-to-day bottom line,” Donna Blanchard, managing director of Kumu Kahua Theatre, said in an emailed statement to Aloha State Daily.
Earlier this month, four improv and variety shows “Improv Superette’s Holiday Extravaganza” also supported the theatre and were well received by the audience, Blanchard said.
“The shows last weekend almost entirely sold out. ... They attract a young audience, which is important to the longevity of any theater,” she said. “The performers were a mixture of artists with experience in improvisation, music, and dance, which also gave us a nice influx of talented artists who have never worked with Kumu Kahua before, but many of whom expressed a desire to return."
According to its website, the theatre’s mission in shorty is to create “Plays about life in Hawaiʻi. Plays by Hawaiʻi playwrights. Plays for the people of Hawaiʻi.”
Tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now. Some highlights include:
“Two Nails, One Love” Jan. 22 – Feb. 22, 2026: Based on the novel by Alden M. Hayashi, which was adapted by Lee A. Tonouchi, this story follows Ethan Taniguchi, a newly single gay man living in New York City when his estranged mother from Hawaiʻi pays an unexpected visit.
“Blu’s Hanging” March 26 – April 26, 2026: This show is based on the coming-of-age novel by Lois-Ann Yamanaka. It was adapted for the stage by R. Zamora Linmark. “Blu’s Hanging,” follows a Hansen’s Disease survivor, as he mourns the death of his wife and struggles to provide for their kids.
“Memory Beads” May 28 - June 28, 2026: Joni knows Alzheimer’s Disease runs in her family and fears its impact on her mother and herself. Written by Diane Aoki, the story shares how Joni collects memory beads of her family’s journey from Okinawa in what becomes a story of the relationships between mothers and daughters across five generations.
The General Admission price per ticket is $28, with discounts for new and returning season subscribers, students, and more. For more information, contact Kumu Kahua Theatre box office at 808- 536-4441.
Donations can also be made through the theatre’s scholarship ticket packages or on its website.
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Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
