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. read more

Hawaii Opera Theatre - Inside. - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

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. read more

See all

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 read more

Excellent performance on 14 Feb 20 of W.A. Mozart's "Le Nozze Di Figaro" (the marriage of Figaro) with libretto by the controversial Lorenzo DaPonte. While the operatic genre is a system of showplaces for music, voice, acting, stagecraft and costumes, the highlight and heart's core of any opera is the score. Nowhere is the sublimity of the music so evident as in Mozart's works. While the plot is outdated by modern standards, it must be viewed as one must view all history-- by first understanding (even studying if needed be), the period of time which such events took place, before rendering judgments. Needless to say despite the anachronistic story of love and deceit, the music and genius of Mozart shined that night as I imagine it did every night since it's debut 230 years ago. The orchestra was superb. The performers gifted, and the scenes/costumes minimalist but very effective. Solid 5 stars across all categories. Final thoughts: most cities I've lived in (w/ exception of TRI-State area of NY-NJ-CT) that had a local opera company, would never have offered Figaro as a seasonal venue. As an fan of the high classical-period, I wish more of Mozart's operas were offered more often. This would also serve to keep the younger generation aware of his sublime works that are the hallmarks of western music. Oh yes you do get the occasional "Die Zauberfloete" or "Cosi Fan Tutti" from time to time, but this is mere appetizer to a deeper hunger on my part. It does tremendous credit to the HOT that they would have the courage and vision to perform this amazing piece of music. Bravo e Brava! read more

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. read more

Hawaii Opera Theatre - Hawaii Opera Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

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. read more

See all

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. read more

See all

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 read more

See all

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 read more

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! read more

Hawaii Opera Theatre - Carmen program and ticket - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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. read more

Mikado! Mikado! Mikado! I love the "Mikado", and most of those who have seen it have formed a similar love. After it's opening at London's Savoy Theater in 1885, it became one of the longest running shows in theater history. It's been said that since that time, a performance of the "Mikado" has been produced somewhere in the world every day. So what's all the fuss about? Well, even though it's set in (mythical) Japan, it's not about Japan at all. The "Mikado" is W.S. Gilbert's satirical put-down of government bureaucracy everywhere - all told through a silly story of an itinerant musician attempting to marry a Japanese schoolgirl. Here is a short summary of the Act 1 (no spoilers!). A wandering minstrel Nanki-Poo has fallen in love with schoolgirl Yum-Yum, who is unfortunately (for Nanki-Poo) engaged to her guardian Ko-ko. When Nanki-Poo learns the Mikado (the emperor) has condemned Ko-Ko to die for the capital crime of flirting (!), Nanki-Poo rushes back to Titipu (Yum-Yum's home town) to claim his beloved. But there he learns the Mikado has pardoned Ko-Ko and made him the Lord High Executioner, the only soul in the empire allowed to execute people. However, despite his bragging, Ko-Ko is a whimp who wouldn't hurt a fly. The Mikado informs Ko-Ko (via an email!) that unless someone is executed by the end of the month, Ko-Ko will have to execute himself, a somewhat difficult undertaking! What a dilemma. Then Ko-Ko finds out way out He discovers Nank-pu, being despondent over the loss of Yum-Yum, tries to kill himself,. So Ko-Ko makes him an offer he cannot refuse. Please wait until the end of the month, and I will perform the execution myself (so much easier!). In the mean time, you can marry Yum-Yum. A deal made in heaven! Yet then they all discover that if a married man is executed, the wife must be buried alive, an event none of the three wishes to occur, especially Yum-Yum. Another complication emerges when a woman in the Mikado's court, Katisha, arrives on the scene and announces that Nanki-Poo is her fiancé, and that he has fled her embraces. Well, this should give you an idea of W. S. Gilbert's zany plot. HOT artistic director Henry Akina has brought the production into the 21st century. He tweaked the dialog to introduce references to Starbucks and I-pads (even to Yelp!). To be sure Gilbert would have hated this (he would chew out his actors for even mispronouncing a single word of his lyrics). But the audience seemed to like the modernizing. I thought Mr. Akina made a brilliant move by clothing the Ladies Chorus in the modern Japanese hipster girl style of Harajuku (or perhaps this was the decision of costume designer Anne Namba). This works perfect for the school girls in the play. The Gentlemen's Chorus was portrayed as Japanese tourists, which the audience liked but I thought less successful. The star of the Mikado is always Ko-Ko, and Curt Olds played him in a wonderful modern style - somewhat foppish, very much full of himself, but also likeable. You could almost feel the audience smile when Curt's Ko-Ko made his entrances. Sasha Asmar is a wonderful Yum-Yum. Diminutive and petite Sasha allows Yum-Yum to be her pixie self as she dances about the stage. To my great delight, Ms Asmar possesses a wonderful and powerful soprano voice, which is a must for anyone playing Yum-Yum. The best duets in the show come when Naki-Poo (Joshua Kohl) sings with Yum-Yum. Joshua's strong baritone matches Sasha Asmar's soprano perfectly, as it must. Veteran HOT performer and local resident Jamie Offenbach makes a fine and imperious Mikado, and I loved local actress Megan Mount as Peep-Bo (don't you just love Gilbert's character names!). I think Anne Namba, HOT's own costume designer, deserves a special shout-out. Her Harajuku costumes were adorable. Ms. Namba has recently worked with a "Madame Butterfly" production in Europe and HOT will be bringing this one to stage soon. I can't wait. I must say a word about the orchestra. They did a fine job with Sir Arthur Sullivan's score. Sir Arthur, if you didn't know, was a musical genius. The music in the "Mikado" still sounds as modern as this morning. It's impossible to believe that the score is 130 years old. Well there you have it. I deducted a star because the sound quality suffered in the dress rehearsal, but I'm sure this will be corrected. I also did not like Katisha's portrayal as a fat woman. In the original production, Katisha is a beautiful woman who could not find love because men are afraid of her. A key element of the last scene comes when Katisha does find love and overcomes her sadness. For me this didn't work in the current production. This is my opinion, of course, and many in the audience enjoyed Katisha. Ok, enough of my rambling. Please, please, please, go see the "Mikado" if you possibly can. I know you will enjoy it. read more

Hawaii Opera Theatre - Glass of wine before a performance of the Makado - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Opera is the big wave surfing of the music world. Tremendous dedication, training, stamina, and skill together with the right wave can all come together in an spine-tingling rush of adrenaline and excitement. Luckily for Hawaii, Hawaii Opera Theater succeeds in pulling it all together for a thrilling ride. Madama Butterfly (current production) is a glorious big swell hitting Hawaii now. You should definitely pull up a chair and watch the opera surfers ride this wave. You might be lucky enough to see a soprano or tenor get totally barreled in the sound and shoot out into the sunlight victorious. read more

Carmen her voice was excellent. The entire cast Sang. Hot chocolate, very good. wine. Ice cream. Good show and great service. read more

See all

Just saw Turandot by Hawaii Opera Theatre. I was a guest if Yelp!! Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this Opera! Keep up the great work, YELP!!! read more

Hawaii Opera Theatre - Keep up the great work!! Absolutely loved Turandot! Thank you for a wonderful evening! - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Friday nights performance of Siren Song was a little different including the venue location. Not your typical opera. The place in Kakaako was hot, no AC, just a very large ceiling fan and portable fans to circulate the hot air :-(. The chairs was folding metal chairs with a little cushion and uncomfortable. One of my gf that went to the Sunday show said she paid $50 said she would have rather paid that amount and sit way in the back of the concert hall with comfortable chair, with AC and cleaner location. The music was a bit too loud you couldn't hear what they were singing, which was supposed to be in English but could barely understand. I love going to the opera to support art, the performers and listening the performers various beautiful tone of voices. Looking forward to the last show of the season, Sweeney Todd in April. read more

Hawaii Opera Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

See all

Just saw the Sweeney Todd @HOT, loved it! Even though I knew the story from the movie, it doesn't beat seeing it as a play! Acting, vocals, set, lighting are top notch! If you get a chance definitely one to see, thank you HOT for the experience read more

Hawaii Opera Theatre - Awesome seats on the floor, right in the middle! Thanks yelp! Can't wait to review it! - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We just went to a non dress rehearsal event at the HOT stage- where they practice. After the event- we learned that it was mostly for family and close friends. It was great to be able to see the non dress and be really close to be able to hear the cast members sing - being so close to the stage (front row) was wonderful. Musically- they got the chops for it. All of the music was spot on and it sounded like they are ready for full dress live performances. They announced that some of the shows this coming year will be in a warehouse in Kakaako which sounds like fun and part of the city plan to help revitalize the area. Looking forward to more shows and more info- still a great chance to see live music and really glad we rsvp'ed for tickets to hear great music. read more

This is my second year as a cheapie-seat ticket holder, and I love it! I'm not particularly knowledgeable about opera, but the music is beautiful, and the stories are odd (and tragic, or funny, in an enjoyable way). The sets range from perfectly acceptable to gorgeous, and the costumes are always lavish. This year is their 50th anniversary, and they've got a good line up that most people will be familiar with: Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro- you've probably heard some of the music), Die Walkure (whose music many will recognize from Bugs Bunny and Fudd's tragedy "Kill the Wabbit"), and La Boheme (this music is everywhere! the 80's film Moonstruck features the opera heavily). But even if you have NO IDEA what is going on- no worries! There are subtitles and short descriptions of what happens each act. There are also a variety of activities the week before the show opens to get you more acquainted with the opera. Anyway, even if you are unsure about the opera- go for the people watching! There's only three performances for each show, so a good portion of Oahu is present. The mix of sparkle and casual is fascinating, and it's not uncommon to see a woman in a sequin-dotted floor length gown standing in line for champagne next to someone wearing khakis and a fleece (it's cold in there!). Not a cheap evening, but a fun one! read more

Hawaii Opera Theater (HOT) plays an important role in Hawaii's small musical arts community. The 3 operas put on per year provide Hawaii's people with the only opportunities to experience high caliber operatic performances without traveling thousands of miles away to the next professional venue. Soloists are imported from around the world to supplement the local talent. The Honolulu Symphony is employed to accompany the vocalists. HOT members visit schools to perform and do workshops as part of their educational program. During the summer (the off season) HOT will perform a major musical rather than an opera. This past summer they did "The King and I". Seeing an opera in the Blaisdell Concert Hall is a nice alternative to the regular night outing to a movie or the club. Dressing up in semi-formal attire is encouraged and fun, though aloha and business attire is also OK. Formal attire is expected if you attend the HOT opera ball. Operas can be very long because pre-TV/movie-viewing people had longer attention spans than we do today. I found Mozart's Don Giovanni to be too long (almost 3 hours?), though the music was beautiful. The next opera being put on this year, Madama Butterfly, should be great! It's one of the most popular operas to see anywhere. It's basically the same story as Miss Saigon. This opera should be shorter than the Mozart. This season HOT is performing on Maui for the first time, with a reduced orchestra. Hopefully the performaces will be a success and HOT can continue to expand. Tickets for the Honolulu shows range in price from $42-$120. If you subscribe to the whole season, or if you are a student, you can get deep discounts. Check out their website or call their office to see if you can get "hooked up". Toll free 800.836.7372 Fax 808.596.0379 Box Office 808.596.7858 read more

HOT is a fantastic organization with competent, friendly staff working in the ticket office (I had to exchange my tickets for a different date and they were great about it) and wildly talented musicians and singers. I enjoyed a performance of The Mikado, a perennial favorite light opera by Gilbert & Sullivan. Clever lyric changes worked in current events. Like the executioner keeping a "little list" of people that would not be missed, including reality stars and people constantly yammering on cell phones. While I paid the normal price, HOT has a variety of special events like opening night parties, and open dress rehearsals, with lower priced tickets. You must go! Next season's shows include a very modern theme---a man duped by a fake online dating persona developed by a con man. It's still heartbreak from unrequited love. Highly recommended! read more

Wonderful production of "Mikado". Kudos to Curt Olds (Ko-ko), Victoria Livengood (Katish), and Jaime Offenbach (Mikado). Loved the local references in the dialog. read more

Hawaii Opera Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Awesome production of Paggliacci and Carmina Burana. One of course would expect a great cast for the key roles, but the minor roles and chorus where casted locally and performed beautifully. The production itself was fantastic for both-great sets, smooth transitions, and well-made costumes and makeup. Carmina Burana had a very creative dance ensemble throughout the act. Great show and to top it all off, awesome seats cost us $40 and included the show and a pre-show event with great pupus and 2 cocktails made with top shelf liquor! Amazing deal, will be sure to recommend and go again!!! read more

Travatore! What a great Opera! The best one yet! A twisted tale of love of treason... read more

Hawaii Opera Theatre - Travatore! - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Saw marriage of figaro last night February 14. Opera is an Italian buffo style-comedic, composed by Mozart. It was very well done with talented performers and an uplifting ending. read more

Wonderful production of La Boheme performed at Blaisdel. I love the concert hall- not a bad seat in the house! Looking forward to more from the Hawaii Opera! read more

I wouldn't consider myself as a member of the arts community in Hawaii, but that is why I LOVE HOT. The prices are very affordable, and well worth it because the production is so amazing! They have been doing a great job incorporating other arts as well such as the interpretive dance in Carmina Burana and scenes in Turandot. This year they have been doing pre-parties at the Honolulu Club on the Tuesday shows called HOT Tuesday, and not only is it a great deal ($40 for both the party, a drink ticket, AND great seats for the show) but it's a fun atmosphere. They have live music, opportunities to mingle, and a great view of the sunset on the blaisdell center. I am very excited for next season! Can't wait to see The Flying Dutchman and Madame Butterfly, but even more stoked that they will be doing a catfish story opera in Kaka'ako too. Definitely feel that HOT is becoming innovative in spreading their audience reach, especially with their memorabilia-like brochures at the show. Yeah, art after dark is cool, and art & flea, but if you want sophisticated fun, HOT hits the spot! read more

Amazing shows and great performances. I have been lucky enough to attend two performances (thanks Yelp). Sweeney Todd was truly amazing. The whole production was VERY well executed and the amount of talent brought together is just phenomenal. I had never been to an opera before experiencing these two and I will absolutely continue to go should more operas emerge through H.O.T. read more

Ordered my tickets on the phone and the lady was very courteous and helpful. Soon after I hung up, I needed to order more tickets so I called back and the same lady answered. She was just as helpful as the first time I spoke with her. Great customer service. read more

Hawaii Opera Theatre did a marvelous job producing the opera la boheme perhaps Puccini's most beloved opera. The staring roll was Mimi performed Elizabeth Cabellero. Listen to her at https://youtu.be/ovcdMg0wawM. read more

Madame Butterfly images: http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Event-Photo-Galleries/October-2014/Hawaii-Opera-Theatre-Madam-Butterfly/index.php/slide/Hawai---i-Opera-Theatre--Madam-Butterfly/cparticle/1 read more

Being "cultured" can be expensive...especially when tickets go for $100+! However, now that HOT offers great deals on tickets through deal sites like Groupon, Living Social, etc., you can see some great performances for a steal! Granted, the seats aren't the closest, but for the price and the experience, it's definitely worth it! If you do buy tickets through one of the deal sites, please note that you have to go down to the box office on Beretania Street to redeem them. The lady there was really nice and helped me redeem my deal for the best seats available. I'm a little torn between recommending the balcony or the orchestra section. Although the balcony is a little further away, I think you get a better overall view of the stage. I must say though, that I'm very impressed with the talent HOT finds for these operas. These performers can really sing! Like chicken-skin, makes you want to stand up and belt out right along with them kind of good! Although most of the performers are from the mainland, a few usually are from right here in Hawaii! Although the opera isn't for everyone, seeing a HOT performance is definitely a great experience! read more

I took a chance and went to opening night yesterday for Tosca. I was blown away. I know a little about opera but don't go all the time. I knew Tosca, so I bought a ticket. I'm so glad I did. The singing is great -- all the voices are strong, the emotions real and the chemistry spot-on. The singers who played the leads, Tosca, Cavaradossi and Scarpia, are amazing. The iconic arias, Vissi d'Arte and Lucevan Le Stelle, were heartfelt and heart-breaking Staging, sets, lighting -- everything -- was fantastic. Truly, this production could stand up to anyone's anywhere (I saw the Met's recent production, and this one is much better -- no gimmicks, just great storytelling). My only regret is that I went alone, so I couldn't talk about it with friends afterwards. I liked it so much that I just got tix online to see Tuesday night's show (3 tix this time, so I can share the experience). I may need to look in to season tickets for next year. read more

The show Turandot was sooo... great. Great music, voices and visuals. I want to see more.