A Daring New Show That Dazzles

8/20/2009 11:32:23 AM

Hawaiian warriors battle with ancient implements

Heartbeat Hawaii, the new show at Royal Hawaiian Theater at Level 4, is truly eye-opening. First, it is a visual delight that is fascinating and entertaining. But in its innovation and daring cultural breakthrough, it’s a metaphor for the future. This is a show that is ahead of its time.

But leave it to entrepreneurial showman Roy Tokujo to open our eyes to something new and different. He is a master at taking our myopic and provincial views of Island entertainment and showing us how to dress it up.

Consider his track record with Paradise Cove luau, Ulalena on Maui and Magic of Polynesia. They redefine “typical tourist” shows.

So it is with Heartbeat Hawaii, although visitor audiences will likely be the market to sustain it as a must-see attraction. In its debut run, local folks are curious to see what has replaced the Cirque-like Waikiki Nei show.

The show includes elements of classical dance

It’s unlike anything we’ve seen here before, except in theatrical touring shows that dazzle us for a few days and then leave town.

Heartbeat Hawaii is an action-musical that “celebrates the spirit of Hawaii.” Don’t look for more “Hawaii” in the production than that.

Its creator, Dennis K. Law, M.D., delivers a different form of entertainment that fuses high-energy acrobatic and martial arts action with sophisticated dance movements. Nonstop action - no intermission - is presented with unique music, stirring percussion and electronic music soundscapes.

A cast of 75 dancers, martial artists, acrobats and musicians trained in China interpret subtle Hawaiian themes, like the Islands’volcanic origins and fusion of Asia-Pacific cultural influences. There is no storyline or narration. Rather it is a kaleidoscopic matrix of Hawaii’s ethnic diversity.

Once you figure out that “fusion” and “diversity” are at the heart of this show, you appreciate the artistry and glamour in which it is presented. Otherwise, you will be confused or even disappointed. It might seem like one mixed-martial-arts routine after another, in elaborate costumes.

That would surely be the wrong vision and interpretation of this show.

The two-hour show, incorporating 17 numbers, moves through a tapestry of cultural themes including Hawaii, Japan, Korea (my favorite segment), China and America.

Following a percussion intermezzo with audience participation, a sense of contemporary art or Polynesian Picasso takes over in a tribute to island fusion. Dancers interpret Hawaiian gourds, hibiscus, bamboo, Hawaiian quilts, birds and kapa.

The closing number is a specially written song, Hawaii is the World, a sound-alike to Michael Jackson’s We are the World.

Above all, Heartbeat Hawaii is colorful and fun

Should you rush out to see this show?

Yes, for the dazzling and amazing production that is presented. Yes, to be among the first to see how a specially trained troupe from China has created a new attraction in Waikiki.

Yes, if you’re into martial arts, acrobatics and dance. The ability to mesh these usually separate disciplines into fluid movement and showman-ship is inspiring.

No, if you want a show that teaches you about Hawaii’s history, traditions and arts. No, if you’re not ready for an entirely Chinese company - with the exception of co-producer Tokujo and art direction consultant Amos Kotomori - to take credit for a Hawaii-based show.

No, if you don’t want to pay the price to see how Hawaii’s diversity is interpreted by a talented and skilled writer, producer and director like Law.

And, no, if you’re not amazed that Law put together a customized show for Hawaii in just over three months, complete with special choreography, music, fabulous costumes and a fond aloha for the Islands.

Well, those are pros and cons of Heartbeat Hawaii from where we sit. Law hopes audiences will come away from his show with “a sense of well-being.” It should leave you with a positive “aftertaste.”

Tokujo, in his usually understated, modest persona, is optimistic about the show. A seasoned tourism executive, he knows Hawaii must prepare for a new generation of visitors and jaded repeat guests.

“If we don’t give them something new, they’ll go somewhere else,” he says.

That’s not “selling out,” in Tokujo’s view. That’s being smart and looking ahead to the opportunities that Hawaii has to carve a niche for itself in the global market.

“Look what we’ve done with fusion cuisine,” Tokujo asserts, referring to celebrated regional chefs such as Alan Wong and Roy Yamaguchi. “We can do the same thing for entertainment with out-of-the-box shows like Heartbeat Hawaii.” Tokujo and Law, a retired thoracic surgeon from Colorado and frequent Isle vacationer, know they’re taking a risk on the action-musical concept. Is a travel destination that’s perceived as romantic sunsets, hula and mai tais ready for this?

It must be, in their view. “It’s the 21st century and the China century,” Tokujo reminds us. “Hawaii will either take advantage of that paradigm or miss the opportunity.”

Performers leap in a martial arts sequence

That is not putting our economic and social destiny all on one stage production in Waikiki. But it’s something to think about.

If you want to see how Hawaii can celebrate its diversity in an engaging art form, go see Heartbeat Hawaii. Be open-minded. Isn’t that the essence of aloha?

Shows Tuesday-Sunday, 7 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian Theater, Royal Hawaiian Center. Phone: 931-6100. Kamaaina rates available.