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VIRGINIA SANDELL, locally known and celebrated actress, local stage “Everything” manager, and prop mistress , has been a friend of Jason since the early 1990s. They weave their way through memory lane and talk of so many local Maui “names” from Kathy Collins, Amy Hanai’al’i and Eric Gilliom, Brian Kohne, Robert & Risa Whiting, David Johnston, Sally Sefton, Caro Walker, Bob Offerman, Francie Von Tempsky… Mayors Linda Lingle, Alan Arakawa… quite a fun show to listen to… get Some insight into the early direction of Jason and the DREAM MAUI project- Aloha. -3-2-2026
Summary & Transcript Below…
Summary
The video features an in-depth conversation between Jason and Virginia Sandell, a longstanding pillar of the Maui theater community. Virginia shares her extensive experience and rich history with local theater, recounting her involvement in numerous productions, stage management, acting roles, and community initiatives that have shaped Maui’s cultural landscape. The discussion highlights the growth and rejuvenation of the Wailuku (Wuku) theater scene, the collaborative spirit among Maui’s performing arts groups, and the strong sense of community fostered through volunteerism and youth engagement. Virginia also reflects on the evolving demographics of performers, especially the increasing opportunities for senior actors, and the impact of notable local personalities and productions that have contributed to Maui’s vibrant arts culture. The conversation touches on challenges such as funding and venue costs but emphasizes the passion and dedication of those involved. Finally, Virginia discusses recent projects including local TV shows, upcoming theater productions, and the importance of sustaining the arts for future generations.
Highlights
- [01:22] 🎭 Virginia is described as the backbone of the Maui theater crowd, involved in nearly every production and behind-the-scenes role.
- [02:54] 🏛️ The historic EA Theater has undergone significant renovations, preserving a vital cultural landmark in Wailuku.
- [10:10] 🎬 Virginia shares her film experiences including “Get a Job” and “Kiana the Movie,” showcasing Maui’s local flavor beyond typical beach scenes.
- [26:33] 👵 There is an increasing number of senior actors actively participating in Maui theater, supported by programs like the Kapuna acting class.
- [30:33] 🎟️ The “One Night Only” Onos event offers free theater shows to the community, emphasizing accessibility and community engagement.
- [38:27] 🌟 Maui’s theater community is tight-knit and collaborative, with many multi-talented individuals balancing day jobs and gigs for the love of the art.
- [49:22] 🔍 Upcoming productions such as “Mouse Trap,” “Frozen,” and “Rent” show diverse offerings and continued vibrancy in Maui’s theater scene.
Key Insights
- [01:22] 🎭 Virginia’s Integral Role: Virginia Sandell exemplifies the dedication required to sustain a community theater. Her involvement in multiple roles—from acting to stage managing—illustrates how key individuals are often the backbone of local arts scenes, ensuring productions run smoothly and fostering community spirit. This level of commitment is critical in smaller markets like Maui where resources are limited.
- [02:54] 🏛️ Preservation of Historic Venues: The EA Theater’s transformation from a dilapidated space to a well-maintained historic landmark demonstrates the importance of preserving cultural infrastructure. The involvement of dedicated leaders like Lua Whitford Mitchell and county funding highlight how public-private partnerships can sustain arts venues that serve as community hubs. Such venues anchor local culture and provide essential platforms for artistic expression.
- [10:10] 🎬 Authentic Local Storytelling Through Film: Virginia’s involvement in films like “Get a Job” opens a window into Maui’s everyday life beyond the tourist-centric image. This authentic representation matters as it broadens perceptions of the island’s culture and provides opportunities for local actors and crew to tell their stories. It also points to a growing interest in diverse narratives that reflect the community’s reality.
- [26:33] 👵 Empowering Senior Artists: The rise of programs like the Kapuna acting class for those 55 and older signals a positive trend in inclusivity and recognition of senior artists. This not only enriches the diversity of stories told on stage but also provides meaningful engagement and social connection for older adults, combating ageism in the arts. It is a model of how community theaters can be places for lifelong artistic participation.
[30:33] 🎟️ Accessibility and Community Engagement: The “One Night Only” Onos free event exemplifies efforts to make the arts accessible to a broad audience, lowering barriers to participation and fostering inclusivity. By requiring reservations but no payment, the program balances logistical needs with community service, encouraging wider attendance and support for local theater. Such initiatives strengthen community bonds and build audiences.- [38:27] 🌟 The Passion-Driven Volunteer Culture: The Maui theater community thrives on volunteerism, with actors, crew, and staff often juggling multiple jobs while dedicating significant time to productions. This passion-driven culture is essential for sustaining vibrant arts in smaller communities where professional opportunities and funding are scarce. It fosters a collaborative, supportive environment that nurtures talent and keeps the arts alive.
- [49:22] 🔍 Diverse and Active Theater Scene: The simultaneous rehearsal of varied shows like the Agatha Christie’s “Mouse Trap,” the musical “Frozen,” and “Rent” highlights the diversity and robust nature of Maui’s theater offerings. This diversity caters to broad audiences and provides opportunities for different age groups and skill levels. It also suggests a healthy pipeline of productions which is vital for ongoing community engagement and artistic growth.
Additional Observations
Virginia and Jason’s conversation reveals a deep affection for Maui’s arts scene, underscoring how local arts serve as a cultural backbone and social glue for the community. Their storytelling about past productions, notable personalities, and challenges faced by the theater scene paints a rich tapestry of resilience and creativity. The collaborative nature of the Maui arts community, along with the inclusion of youth and seniors, showcases a sustainable model for community arts that can inspire other regions. The dialogue also points to the critical role of community support, both financial and volunteer-based, in maintaining the arts ecosystem. Lastly, the mention of Maui-based TV productions and films indicates that Maui’s cultural expression is expanding beyond the stage into other media, broadening the reach of local stories.
This comprehensive discussion not only celebrates Maui’s performing arts legacy but also provides valuable insights into maintaining and growing community theater in a small, geographically isolated setting. It highlights the blend of passion, collaboration, history, and innovation necessary to keep the arts flourishing for generations to come.
00:15
Hey everyone, welcome to the show. I have a special guest today, a beautiful special guest that I know a lot of years, but that’s only because I’m starting to get old. And she was a very young girl when I first met her. Her and her husband David and one of the go Virginia Sandell. If you’re on Maui and you see this woman, you say, “Is that Virginia?” It is. Yes, it’s Virginia. Virginia, thank you for coming here to our show. It’s my pleasure. Jason, >> move a little closer so I can make sure
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you got enough volume. Just talk a little bit for me. >> Okay. I probably need to be closer. How’s that? >> That’s good. See these things? Yeah. >> I don’t want to see him moving around a little bit. That’s all. Yeah, that’s all. >> Um, >> when I met you so many years ago, little did I know that after all these years, you are in my mind the backbone. How’s that? >> Oh dear. of the EA theater crowd and the whole Wailuku theater scene. In fact, I think you’re the one that
01:22kind of >> I went I don’t know how I got involved with Best Little Horse in Texas. I was there involved >> and I wasn’t involved and I lived in Jonathan Star’s building around the corner forever >> and then you needed someone for Pulp Fiction to >> to be on the floor >> of the thing and you pulled me in and I just saw you were the one on anything and everything going on in the theater. >> Virginia is involved. Do you just like taking care and making sure everything’s
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Were you like stage manager or all kinds of roles? Huh? >> I do I did a lot of stage managing. I did uh a lot of work with like set dressing and props, but my first love of course is acting and uh I always love being in the shows and it’s really fun. uh the theater seat. I just a lot of it is longevity because I have been around that theater for so long and when you and I were neighbors as you well know we practically live behind that theater so it was easy to come and go and uh but a
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lot of things have changed over time. Uh the theater building itself probably looks better than it’s ever looked. I don’t know if you noticed when I ran into you last time. >> A lot of improvement over the years. When it first there, all the seats were broken and >> Yeah. >> I mean, that’s a while ago, right? >> Yeah. That was about 20ome years ago. and the gal that’s uh run the uh running of the uh executive director there, Lua Witford Mitchell, she is really good at
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uh staying on top of making sure that uh the building is looking good because that’s a historical landmark, the theater. And >> I remember when it was run down and then the county came in, put some money in. It was still there and then more money came in and more money. >> I’m so glad they’ve kept it. It’s just a Some people like it, some don’t, but I really love the EF. >> I do too. And there’s And I I think it’s really interesting in Wukun now to the
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fact that now they’ve opened the Naylor Theater. MAPA has a >> Academy of Performing Arts has a theater on uh the main drag, the Naylor. >> Yeah. So, that’s really interesting. That’s awesome that there’s uh that you know, a couple theaters within walking distance from each other. And then you have the pro arts theater over on um Southside Kihei. So >> well what’s also nice about Wuku is now their whole thing about rejuvenating the town and put in a massive parking
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structure. >> Well, yes they did. Uh >> well hopefully that’ll be there. And >> a lot of people really complained about the parking and stuff like that for years because uh there was any place to park. The county workers park everywhere and there’s nowhere for anyone else to park in Wuku, right? >> So now part of that structure is probably accommodating them and hopefully it’s creating a little more uh space for people and they rejuvenated Wuku that main drag. Market Street
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>> Market Street >> wouldn’t have been my style kind of congested plan in the way they set it. Well, you know, Marcus Street, you know, as you well know, cuz like I said, I think you and I have known each other uh way way way many years, way many years. And uh >> since Bob and Rea Bob and Rea that had to be in the 93, 94, somewhere along that area, >> right? >> But I think our paths had probably crossed before somewhere socially like that. But uh >> I remember you as a hot chick.
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>> Shoot. I remember that. It’s It’s another interesting thing when you talk about we were talking about EA theater things and uh longevity cuz when I first started uh auditioning and coming around there I was auditioning, you know, 20s to 30s and now I have to look at everything and go, “Oh, does that say 60 to 70?” It’s like, but the awesome thing is there are a lot of shows out there. There’s a good uh proportion of uh senior actors out there in the stage at 8
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>> and some amazing really super talented people. >> There is a lot of talent here. >> Unbelievable talent here. You know, we’ve been here a long I’ve been here 37 years. >> I remember Dale Button forever. >> God bless Dale Button. I love that man so much. >> Such a talent. >> He’s so talented. I had the pleasure of uh being this show called the 1940s radio Christmas show which Dell directed >> and he was an awesome director. He was everything you’d want in a director. He
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was encouraging and he was kind but also you know when he told you something like oh did you miss that line? Well we’ll take that seriously but yeah he’s a talented guy. He’s a lot of fun. So >> and there have been all kinds of talents coming in. >> There’s so much. way when Jamie Foxx was here. Was he visiting Eric or was he just one of the guys at the >> I remember now. I’m trying to see if I can remember >> in Rocky Horror way back when with Eric.
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>> I’m trying to remember all of that. I can’t uh I remember him being here. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I thought he was one of the local guys or something. Then then I heard his name over the years along with Eric and Amy and the whole crowd and >> Yeah. >> And I’ve seen over the years I think that kind of rubs off, you know. I think he gained from being an incredible stable of amazing people. Remember Suanne over there at the high school? >> Oh, sure. Because I worked at Baldwin
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High School for 30 years over there. Yeah. So, yeah. So, you you’ve been >> But I didn’t um when I was uh she was uh teaching theater. I was teaching another subject, but she had a lot of kids come through that program. And like my good friend Kathy Collins is a uh person from that went to Baldwin and got involved in the theater there. And then you know she’s an awesomely talented talented gal. >> And uh so that’s where she got the love of theater is in high school. And it’s
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interesting that uh cuz we we go out we’re little girls at lunch occasionally and this and that and the other go see shows and she is still in contact with Sue Louden. So yeah. Yeah. I see that they keep up with each other. They So it’s amazing that a lot of people got their love for that right there in high school. I think of a lot of the people that worked at EAL theater that I’ve worked with. Uh Fretz Tawa, uh Colani and Lana Whitford, uh Camille Romero, ton of those people. They all did drama
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in high school. >> And I know that Eric and his sister Amy also uh that’s where they started out the drama. Of course, not mentioned that show business was already in that family’s blood because of >> and there was a gal, I forgot her name. She was um the her name was of uh Vontampsky. >> Oh, Francancy. >> How’d that go? Was she there involved with also all these people money but involvement? >> I I know that she was I know that she was involved in the theater quite a bit.
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I think she did a lot of work with the uh Maui uh performing uh art academy. But, you know, it’s like a lot of people is it uh they audition and they work at all different kinds of theaters which is awesome. >> So, uh >> Carol Walker’s been >> Carol Walker’s over there building set as we speak at EA Theater this morning for a show called The Mouse Trap. So, we’ll see how that goes. >> Well, and then you you uh >> that’s the reason I was going to a thing
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called the Ghost Light Awards. >> Ano uh one night only. Thank you, Russ. right for uh >> Oh, God bless Rust Taff. >> Yeah, I was with him and Beth’s little house. >> I remember that. Yeah, >> that was years ago. That was so fun. >> Yeah, >> being in the theater is great here. >> Well, when that one night only Virginia Sandelle won. What was that for? For Rocky Harper to show you or what? It was for I was I was kind of shocked uh >> because I had uh that’s the only show
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that I had worked on all season. Uh helped put the show up, stage managing, making sure it all worked, this and that and the other. So I won for that for the Rocky Horror Show for you know keeping things up and running and running the show. >> But I think of you as everywhere. Every thing they were bringing up. I thought that could be Virginia’s category. That could be Virginia’s category. >> Yeah. I I was I think I had three nominations that night. >> And like your acting like you said the
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things that I remember that easiest to remember like Kiana the movie >> Kiana the movie was such a great great experience for me prior to doing um Kiana the movie I did in 2010 we uh >> Get a Job >> did a movie called Get a Job. was fortunate enough to be cast in that >> and people love that movie. >> People just it’s it’s funny. It’s a look at Maui that we’re not often going to see. >> Still around and available to be seen. >> Oh, it sure is. You can see that. You
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could see it on demand as we speak. >> Oh, good. >> Yeah. And uh it’s awesome that people still enjoy that. And uh my husband David was also in that. He was walk I think they cast him uh not too far from the tree because that’s kind of they showed him walking around town and dropping stuff and running around. >> He is almost famous. I remember when living in Wuku we’d see David drop his stuff enough that it became a memorable thing. >> It was a thing. Yes. >> And he is such a nice man.
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>> He’s a sweet man. I know. >> And super talented. you think of him as an illustrator. I’ve the things that he does have a lot of social meaning and I’ve seen things that he do. He’s just really just a great guy. But there in >> Wuka. Thank you, Jason. And you also know that like I said, we were neighbors before, right? >> So, uh when we were doing uh Reservoir Dogs, >> we uh had uh we were rehearsing a lot in that space, remember? >> So, the art was all around us, you know,
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when we were doing that. And that is funny. I remember now that we did. I remember coming telling you, “You got to come help us out. You got to lay down on the floor right now. I need somebody to come help me do this.” So, it was interesting that when Brian wrote that movie uh get a job, he wanted to show the side of Maui that most people probably aren’t going to see uh some of the more local type uh characters running around. >> Really fun. >> Yeah. It’s not exactly your beachy beach
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uh surfy movie, even though there was a little bit of the beach in there. So, >> what was it like to work with Willie Kay? He had a very interesting persona publicly. >> Well, I did uh let’s see. I did uh one year, and I’m trying to think Jason. I want to say it was 2006. It might have been 200. My first working uh relationship, we did Rocky Horror over at uh Hopp Nightclub. >> Oh. >> And Willie played Eddie the Meatloaf role. And he was and you know just like any type of musical theater there’s
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still choreography and timing all this stuff. He was just a natural at it. He was yeah he just came in and just did it. And of course there’s so much to enjoy about watching him perform and his vocals were outrageous. And then uh after that the last next time I worked with him we were doing uh Get a Job the movie. And but main thing about him he was a professional guy. He came in, he did what his work was. >> I thought he was a great straight role. >> He was great at that. Right. Yeah.
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>> So, >> and it gave Eric the the room to just be funny as >> Yeah, he sure did. So, he was always really professional. And then the other time that I worked with him was uh he uh also worked on Kada the movie. >> Well, I remember when I sat with Brian, Brian shared with me because Willie was so people coming at him all the time. Yeah, >> he developed a public persona of being a little standoffish, but he was a wonderful, warm, and caring guy. >> He was a wonderful, warm, caring, man.
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You’re exactly right. And I know that uh he did like I can remember one time me and him and Eric and I think his sister Amy was there. We all went just to we’ve been at rehearsal, right? So, we just wanted to go get something to eat. We’re kind of burned out. You know how that goes. Yeah. And we sat down to eat and every two seconds, you know, somebody >> right >> wants to talk story or take pictures and but he was real gracious about it. Really really gracious about that.
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>> But he didn’t, you know, no one really sat and did like did one of these. >> Well, I I don’t I’m sure he did a lot of press that I probably don’t know about, but he was a gifted and talented performer. >> He was amazing. Fun to watch. Yeah. Yeah. >> When I first got here, I remember uh there I was at 505 Front Street. May it rest in peace. >> Oh, yes. >> And there was this uh luau going on there. >> And there before there was a cocktail
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and Willie would sit there with his single guitar in front and drink and curse and he was quite a character. >> Yeah. But he was just an amazing player. I’m so glad he got the breaks to be able to be seen more. >> Yeah. >> And stuff. He was super talented. >> Very talented. >> And u when I know people that know him like getting to know Brian Con and all you guys over the years, you know, again, I see people don’t really know who Jason Schwarz is. They see me a
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little. >> They don’t know I can sing. They don’t know I can they have really no idea my before I came to Maui kind of stuff, you know. But things are going to happen again here. And we’re going to, as you’ve heard me talking all these years, this >> Maui Arts and Music Association, people aligned in positive action, mama and papa, >> promoting art and music and culture. That’s not me. That’s us. What an amazing thing the EAL theater has been. And the MAPA too, right? David Johnston
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and all these kids growing up and learning and growing. Super great. >> Super great. I had a I had a super experience over there at BAPA when I was uh 18 years old. I was on a theater scholarship at Concord University in uh Athens, West Virginia. And I just turned 18 and the school was doing Man of Labancha. So I I was in that show in college. Well, two two and a half years ago, I see a casting call that BAP is doing Man of Blancha. And I’m not really a big musical theater kind of people. I’ve been in musical
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shows, but so something I thought to myself, I’m going to go audition for that just to see what happens, right? And uh I was fortunate enough that I did get cast in the show and I played the exact same role that I had in college. >> How fun is that? >> Well, we’re in jail. Remember that. We’re in the Inquisition. So, it’s not like we have to look, you know, uh like uh beauty queens, >> but the same role. >> But the same role. It was really, really fun to re So 50 at the time. So, that
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was uh 50 years later, I get to do the the same. Can you be 50 years later? Oh, honey, please. I was six. I was 18 when I did it. So, that was two years ago. So, the math does >> add up to be 70. >> Yeah. Yeah. It’s Wow. But that was a great experience working with that group. And we uh uh Eric’s sister Amy was also in that show. She played Doulsona. And that was really fun working with her. She’s really easy to work with. She’s a dream. She’s a dream. She’s just polite and kind and
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professional. Super cool. >> She can hit the mark. >> Boy, can’t she >> That’s a good thing. >> Yeah, >> that’s a fun thing. Do you have favorite shows over the years? I mean, when I look around now and I see all the new talented performers, some of them I like, who’s this guy? Ricky Jones. I’ve seen him a few times, right? >> He’s a talented guy. >> Is he a lead guy mostly? >> Yeah. And he also directs. He uh I’ve known Ricky probably
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I want to say it feels like almost 20 years. He uh married a local girl. He married uh Hoku Paval and she’s also an actor. So the two of them >> um were theater people and I just did a show with him um the one I was talking to you about that Dell directed the 1948 radio’s Christmas show and he played uh the lead character in that and it was phenomenal. He was just like uh John Barrymore you might say. Yeah, he was that good. He’s a He’s a talented guy. >> And then who who else we got going on? I
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know I saw Nara Boon. I thought I didn’t even know. >> Yeah. >> And I know her from years back when she was on the other side doing um that I forgot the name of the show. Remember that show where it was for tourists? >> I sort of do. >> Going down the ropes and that whole >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I can’t recall what that was right now either. But she came to EL theater and uh worked on a show called Come From Away and she was >> and knocked a home run here.
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>> Yeah, she’s she’s a great singer. Yeah, she’s really talented like that. >> Yeah, I don’t really know her all that well, but I know that uh >> I knew a couple of the sisters. >> Somebody else was telling me about that too. Uh but the night of those uh awards at the theater, I notic that she had won one of those ghost awards as well. So that >> see I’m old. I remember her father cheeky. >> Hey man. Yeah. You know, that’s the thing. You know, living on Maui, the
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years have gone by, but we are very blessed and we’re able to stay healthy and young. When I think of you as 70, oh honey, >> come on. >> People on the mainland are not fairing quite as well as we hear. >> There’s a talking about like different shows and things. There’s a one of the favorite shows that I did uh this time last year was called Flowers of Hawaii and it was written by Lee Cataluna >> who is a fabulous writer >> performer or news was that the
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>> she was on the news at one point I think she was a news an >> yeah I know her more as a playwright. >> Okay, there you go. because she had written a funny funny play that we had done years ago called Deha and then this one she did uh called Flowers of Hawaii and it was uh it was just such a great great show and it’s one of those shows where I really got to stretch it out a little bit because it was not comedy. It was not a it showed. >> Does the writer come here and get
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involved with you guys? This was really interesting because this show I think this show had been done in other theaters on Wahoo and maybe on the Big Island. But uh she was very gracious. She came over to watch one of the performances. Talk about no pressure. Oh my god. You’ve got the audience and then you’ve got the writer of the play in the audience and it it upped your amp a little bit if you know what I mean. Everybody >> Oh yeah. >> And she was real sweet. She stayed around and did a uh talk story session
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with uh with the audience and it was just really really a fabulous experience for me and really enjoyed her. >> The questions come in my mind are so funny know what just came in. Mike Snider. >> Well, I barely remember him. Jason >> Mike Snider when I I was going to do a show >> to open the Mac New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. You don’t may. >> Oh, yes I do. Yes, I do. That was 1994, I think. I’m see. Oh, sorry. >> It’s so funny. You know,
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>> it’s nice to hear someone who remembers. I booked that place and no one ever kind of understood what was happening. Again, the politics are very strong here on Maui. And >> you think, yeah, they are. >> And when I went out to get sponsor, I went to the um with Weston. >> Uhhuh. the and I walked in to see the general manager and he said, ‘I don’t know what you’re trying to pull, but someone else came into my office last week. And so, believe it or not, yeah. And then it was First Light was
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going to happen. Someone wanted to do First Light, which is a non-alcoholic. >> I remembered that event >> and uh I called them in Boston and they said, “Will you do me a favor? Check these people out, whatever.” Uh-huh. >> And and I went and >> one of the references that Lonnie and Jeff Stark gave was >> Mike Snider. Boy, he did not like them. But anyway, >> so what I found was but they that whole thing >> stopped a lot of progress that we’re now
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trying we we’re going to do it now. this thing that’ll be talking about putting it all together and creating a self- sustaining community model that’s been around since the opening of the cultural the opening >> I remember all that opening of the culture center business >> watch out people and watch out and be involved yeah so that that’s so amazing to me >> and you know what’s really interesting too is that the Mac was doing speaking of Robert and Rhysa the Mac was using the uh McCoy theater,
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the Blackbox Theater down there at the time for like, you know, smaller type shows. I remember Robert directed us in a play, a Woody Allen play called Oh God. And we did it in there at the McCoy and there was other productions that went in and all of a sudden they don’t seem to be doing uh as many plays like that at the McCoy theater now. And uh >> Well, I think the prices go up. >> Yes. It’s so expensive. remember when they took the C out of MCACCC. It was the Maui Community Arts and
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Cultural Center. >> Boy, do I ever remember that. >> And then that made the huge difference because they couldn’t get booked because it was thought of as a local theater is what they said. >> Too bad. >> And the local theater is why it got created to be able to use it and be fully there. So, the history of all that goes on around here has so much depth. I’m glad at least we saved the uh theater. Well, it’s it’s I’m so happy that the building is looking as good as
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it is now cuz remember Jason, there was never air conditioning in there. >> Uh the sound equipment would be like, “Hey, somebody stick your thing up against the speaker. See, we got some noise going.” So, they have really nice equipment in there and were able to produce. >> Lana Whitford, I remember when she was a little performer and a director of the whole place. >> Yeah, she was. Yeah. Her and her brother Keelani. Isn’t that amazing how years keep going by? >> They keep going by.
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>> We people get older and better and they’re involved with this local community. That’s why you hear me say, maybe you don’t, but we have such a talented, rich, committed community here. >> Yes, >> I think we stand on a par with anywhere in the world. >> Oh, we sure do. And we produce some great shows. I don’t know. Did you see uh calendar girls when um Maui Academy Performing Arts did it? >> No. >> I would say that you know the story of that, don’t you? Where these British
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ladies are trying to raise some money because somebody’s sick, so they decided what they would do was uh make a calendar, but it was going to be a sexy calendar. And so it was and they’re all ladies of a certain age, right around my age group. And they went there. It was so fun to see that. Uh >> in fact, I did see it. >> I thought I saw you there. Yeah. Do you remember all the girls? >> Yes. >> Yeah. It was really fun. >> See, I have my partner Ariel. She makes
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sure we go to stuff. >> Yeah. I thought I remember I thought I saw you guys there. So I really like doing that. And that the great thing about doing that that was super empowering was that all the women that were in the show, we were all of the same age group and uh it was a different experience where because normally there’ll be in some shows well there’d be two roles for somebody or one role for somebody to be the mom or the dad and that would be about it. But now um there seems to be
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like I told you in the beginning there a lot more u opportunities probably for senior actors and uh it seems like a a good thing. I take a class called uh Capuna acting class at the uh Maui Academy of Performing Arts and it’s so you have to be 55 or older to be in the class. >> Who’s teaching that one? >> Sally Septton and >> Sally’s David’s wife. >> Right. And also um >> David Johnson’s wife. >> Uh another lady called Miss Donna Breed. She also helps out with the class, but
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Sally has started that uh a few years back and has been wildly successful. >> Yeah. Tremendous. >> It’s a kooky mix because we’ve got people we’ve got people uh a lot older than us. So, it’s interesting. Uh and I mean this in the best of the most fun way. So, >> I’ve seen some terrific things from that group. >> Yeah. So, they do >> writing and performing. Yeah, they do. We they perform that uh over at the e where they do the odo and it’s stories
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from the heart is stories from experience. >> Isn’t it amazing how much the people of Maui, not only we have so much to do here, people that come from the mainland, you ought to take a look at what we’re doing before you come so you can get in on the the tickets for some of these local shows. >> That’s right. That’s so so interesting that you said that because a couple shows that we did uh some people be talking story with people outside of intermission and we heard about a couple
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that had came here over the uh Christmas holiday just to you know they’re on a vacation and somehow another they ended up coming over to uh EA theater and seeing a show that we were doing over there and they said it was one of the highlights of their vacation. They just kind of fell into it. Well, it is really true. I mean, when I come out of a show and I think to myself, >> I don’t think they could have done that better anywhere, >> you know? I mean, the the directing is good. The attitudes are great. The
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people that are acting really, you know, have great coaches and have a lot coming in from inside. Very, very rich community here. >> Yeah. We also uh doing a great thing at Mal on stage where we have a great uh youth program. >> Oh, >> we got the kiddos out and about and uh they’re doing some great work and we we are u blessed enough where we try to pull together scholarships for the kids so everybody can be included, right? We don’t want anybody being turned away because
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>> well, we live in the world. We know the world, you know. So, it’s nice that the kids get to uh participate in there. We get some scholarships to them. So, we’re doing a good job with that uh youth program as well. And >> yeah, and they have shows you’re you guys seem to always have shows either Well, it’s more than in production. There seems to be a lot of shows. How many you How many shows you think you guys do each? >> Well, let’s see. We probably do we do
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three uh at least three adult shows and then the kids the kids use the theater as well, right? And the kids do a couple shows. So >> five shows that would be shows that we’re >> all season >> mainstay and then of course we have the the ownos and that that oh no is a great problem for anybody that listens that maybe not check that out. It’s a free event and >> one night only on Monday. >> Yeah. And it’s there’s one tonight. It starts at 6:30 and anybody could come.
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All you have to do, you don’t have to pay. They just like you to call. >> What’s tonight’s about? >> Tonight is a mystery. It’s about a bunch of gentlemen. I’m not going to give it away. A >> What time they start? >> 6:30. >> If you’re lucky enough to catch this live, there could be some tickets still available. >> And all you have to do is just call the box office. All they want, you don’t have to pay. >> Do you know the number? Easy.
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>> No, but I know the website where you can go. What was it? Eow onstage. Maui on >> No. www.maui onstage.com. >> Maui onstage.com. The W’s don’t even matter anymore. The world is shortened up. >> Is that the truth? What is all that business worldwide? Well, >> well, but the theater Maui on stage tonight. That’s a real tip. If you are lucky enough to hear this live, >> that is the tip of the day. >> And it happens. >> I love those onos. They’re
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>> I know you do. And I’ve seen you over there many times. And I think you were mentioned in at the top of us talking story here was that we were so fortunate a man named Russ Taff. >> Yeah. >> Uh he sponsored it. So he keeps that program running and that’s the way that we can offer it to the community for free. >> It’s a beautiful thing. >> And all you have to do is just go to that website, book a seat. That’s it. Instead of we don’t have people show up
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at the door. That way we make sure we’ve got seats for everybody. So you just and you can work more than one city if you want to bring friends or whatever. So it’s a really beautiful thing and lots of times we get some very very interesting things that come through there. Well, I’m always amazed just like I say the depth of our community here, whether it’s in in a one night only and the kind of things that you guys are pulling in there and the kind of shows that you do and and just the general
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attitude here is so up. Theater could always use, I’m sure, more money and more people, right? >> It’s always a challenge. We’re always looking for volunteers. The same thing if you uh don’t fancy yourself to be a performer. We also need people that uh work as ushers and greeter door greeters and things of that nature. And you come, you hand out some programs, you see some people, you get to watch all the shows for free. >> Just really a great thing. >> Yeah, it is. And so it’s a fun place to
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volunteer. We have and I know that uh other theaters do that as well. They have their volunteers that come in and they usher work the house and then >> here on Maui it makes it comfortably affordable >> to be a a volunteer. >> It’s a great thing >> and it’s a great community of volunteers. >> It sure is. I met some really nice people doing that. They’re super nice about that. So, it’s really interesting. >> What are you looking to do in your life?
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Are you looking to do you have any things on the horizon that are >> Well, I um I definitely want to keep um working on um acting. Um I know that we’re going to do this the class that I will be doing a showcase over at the Naylor Theater at the end of August. I mean, excuse me, at the end of April. Okay. >> And then I think I told you that I was in the uh first season of the television show Moku Moku that was produced here. >> People on the mainland I hope that you they can pick it up, right?
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>> Sure they do. >> Where’s our Amazon Prime? >> Amazon Prime and Tuby >> and Tubi. Mo. Yeah, you were in that. >> Yes. >> Tell us a little give us a synopsis. What’s it about? >> It’s so much fun. It’s uh season one. We are up country Maui and it’s about >> these local Yeah. local life here. These boys trying to get their act together and then all the people they encountered, the aunties, the uncles. >> So, it’s a show that basically has the
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flavor of the islands in Maui. Yes. >> Pretty accurate or >> Well, I tell you, yes. Uh, we were talking earlier. I was I mentioned Kathy. Kathy has um one of the lead leading roles in that as well as uh Cheino Leforge, >> right? >> And uh so you think about that there’s a pretty local staple people here and all kinds of uh interesting people that you know you see around. So it’s it’s kind of like uh the people you see every day on Maui. This is definitely not we’re at the
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beach and we’re showing >> Patty Lee is in that, isn’t she? >> Yeah, Patty was in the first season. >> She does daily things. >> I see her. Yeah, I see her doing that. >> Yeah. >> And I’ve done a lot of theater with her as well. And so it’s really fun. Um, and then each each uh episode has a different uh vibe to it. Uh, my favorite thing that I got to do was uh we did a a dream sequence of the Narnia and uh I got to play the snow witch on it. No. of all the years of all the
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stuff I’ve ever been involved in. It was my favorite costume I ever got to wear. >> Oh, >> I was so happy about that. >> Is that the one that >> It’s the one I got on like dressed up like a queen. >> It just was really It was a cool experience to do that. And then uh because >> you know, I think I laughed about this this morning with you when I told you uh >> I don’t care if I’m 70. I’m still a girl. I love the way they fixed my hair
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and they made everything look so authentic and really really nice >> and really good job. I mean like I say people that come here that have not seen shows on Maui that come from elsewhere. >> Yes. are super. I’ve never seen anyone that isn’t anything other than really impressed >> and you know the actors are all volunt it’s on the community theater scene. >> Yeah. You know, I I can only speak about Maui on stage uh because I’m also on the board of directors, but uh all the
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actors are volunteers and uh they give a lot of their time for that. >> And also the staff, you know, a guy like I know like a Bob Offerman. >> Bob Offerman, he comes and he volunteers and uh we’re super stoked to have him because he knows how to do a lot of a lot of stuff like build stuff like stage craft kind of stuff. and Cro Walker. >> Yeah, >> Cairo is over there right now as we speak. >> And then, you know, people that I remember in the theater, I forgot their
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names. I know I’ve seen fathers and then sons and daughters and then they had sons and daughters, right? >> Having been here all these years, it’s a really >> it’s a great theater community. It’s a just amazing. Yes. such a and maybe I’m over the top, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much cooperation as happens here. It just seems to go well. Do you find there’s ever issues on set and on stage? >> No, you got really not really. Uh you got to remember these people are
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passionate about what they’re doing. You take typically people work whatever job it is they work whatever their daytime is or their and a lot of people have side gigs you know what the kids call it the gig economy where they drive Uber or wait bartend or whatever on top of another job like as you and I both know that’s very common here. >> Yeah. So these people are so passionate about what they’re doing is that they’re willing to commit >> five days a week plus the weekends with
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the show up. It’s to be in that theater as a volunteer putting on shows. So the passion and the commitment. >> It’s very high. is very high because and there’s just a have you ever noticed Jason there just seems to be a lot of actors a lot of musicians a lot of artists here on Maui seem to run into somebody all the time when you well what’s up oh I do this this and this like okay yeah so we have a good community of it >> right that’s why I keep thinking when I saw Los Angeles get burned and they’re
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talking about whatever they were thinking >> we talk about a theater community here and we talk about um having more activity but it’s so isolated here and we don’t have tax credits the way the other states do and all these things but I mean if people start wanting to live here and it becomes like a Malibu which it already you know the prices are already >> well it’s the same it’s the same things isn’t it >> this is a great place to shoot there’s tremendous amount of local talent and
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support team for things that sometimes like now may not be working as much as they’d like to be working. >> That’s what we hope to do with all that we’re doing, >> right, >> with all this is rustle up and keep pouring the money back into creating more local jobs. >> And you know, we are lucky too, you know, because you have the same longevity that I have. There’s a lot of famous people too that live here that will pop in and do unusual things. We have a lot of famous musicians that live
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here. Uh other actors that are willing to come in and lend their name just to get something to happen, which is really important, too. >> Oh, that’s good. >> Yeah. So that’s super important >> like um to help choose material or >> Well, I think about uh when we did the movie Get a Job. I know what was really cool about that is um Mick Fleetwood. He came down and was in several scenes and played music. I’m sure that he didn’t do that cuz he needed the gig,
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>> right? >> Yeah. Just being kind, you know, stuff like that. Different. We had a lot of fun with uh people wanting to be in the spirit of Maui here. >> Yes. Yes. That’s a great thing. Yeah, we sure did. >> You guys are having too much fun. Is that allowed? >> Well, it is allowed. It is allowed. You’re supposed to have fun cuz you know that old saying, if you’re not getting paid, it should be a lot of fun. >> And that’s the theater. We all know that
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theater is the art that you do for the passion and for the love of it. because any other type of situation is >> and you have nice relations between each other like when you talk about Sally Septton coming and doing a thing there at Eater. So you have the theaters cooperating with each other. That’s right. >> Sharing talents and if someone needs a this or a that >> you’re just down the street. >> Well, it’s cooperative, too. So that’s really >> So it’s sort of like in New York, right?
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It was sort of a theater. Well, I think everybody kind of know I think in our minds that’s exactly what we would like it to be like we’re in the theater district, but realistically we are. That’s two theaters within a block of each other, >> right? >> And then you go a little bit down the street, you’re at the back. >> You just take a little if you prefer spending time over on the Kihei side, you’ve got pro art. >> I was going to say little box theater.
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Kihei is just a nice little theater. Yeah, it’s a nice little theater. We uh shot the day that I did the uh the Narnia the Queen scene. We shot that scene in Pro Arts. >> Oh, and she’s so talented there running that place. >> Oh, yeah. They’re all talented women with good. Besides for that, you know, business hands, it’s no secret, I don’t think, Jason, that funding for the performing arts grants and things of that nature, I don’t want to get too political, uh, have dried up because of,
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you know, some DY, uh, different grants. >> So, support is always welcome. >> Support is always welcome. We have what you call sustaining Ohana at Eater. and what it is if you feel like you could do it. Some people give five bucks a month, some people give 25, some people give 50, >> right? >> Up. So that money comes in through the state of Ohio that helps to uh keep the lights on. >> No, I >> It’s expensive running a theater, honey. >> It’s expensive running anything, but for
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sure. >> Just like when we were doing our show, the Resort Dogs, remember we rented the theater. that wasn’t it was an independent production, >> right? >> So, we rented that and I remember even back then because you’ve got to have somebody to run the lights and somebody to run the sound and, you know, and maintain the building. So, it’s always welcome, you know, anybody that could contribute anything. But another really great way to uh contribute to is come volunteer. We
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could always use people that want to come over and usher and watch shows. Uh we’ve been doing some movies over there. We did Wizard of Oz uh last month and had people dress up. It’s kind of cool. People dress up and then there’s, you know, the little kids. So, they had some games to play and it’s it’s super affordable. I think that those stickers were like 10 bucks and you got little, you know, little stickers and prizes and stuff. So, we need people to come help us with that. there’s always, you know,
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opportunities and uh socially it’s fun because you’re, you know, you get to be around like-minded people and uh it’s it’s a good time. So, that kind of support, of course, everybody wants the monetary support, but that kind of support is uh just as important as uh >> well, but our hearts get rich when we enjoy all >> Well, that sure is a nice way to say that. They do, in fact. And uh can you imagine we have 12 minutes left? >> Have we been talking that long? >> We’ve been talking. I thought to myself,
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you know, every show is different. >> Yeah. >> And every show has sometimes I uh don’t have anything to say, but we have a lot to say. We’ve said a lot of things here. >> We have. We’ve covered some subjects, haven’t we? >> Well, we know. I I think about just how living on Maui all these years has been a very rich time, a very precious time. >> It has. I’ve seen the island go through lots of changes and so have you. >> I mean, here we are what two days into a
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uh change of our whole world, >> you know. >> Yeah, it’s real. So, I’m I’m hoping that Maui can uh stay the beautiful focus of of people coming here and having a good time and sharing a good time and being of good cheer and contributing to the I want to say what the world can be. >> We like to be an example of what the world can be, you know. But you’ve noticed too that the the island has changed a lot. You know the place I really miss the most over here and this
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will crack you up. Oh supermarket. Dear God, I miss that place. That was such a fabulous place to go. You see everybody in town. There were people that would drive from the other side, you know, come over here just so they could go down there and do a little shopping. >> Now it’s a medical center. >> It’s a medical center. So there’s always that nostalgia away when you see things that have come and gone and changed and >> Well, and you’ve really um kept your feet in Wuku. You know, you guys
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>> Well, yes, I have because uh before that I had lived on the other side of Lahina side a lifetime ago for 15 years. And then when uh I met my husband, I knew that uh he was going to be Wuku based. And I had always lived at the beach and I liked that like getting up walking a few feet going right in the water. But the reason that I thought that I would be able to live in that was because of the theater. That was the big thing that I thought, well, it has the theater here, so I can work with that.
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>> And that’s a great >> Yeah. >> It’s it’s come to be. >> Yeah. So that’s how it kind of worked out. >> Been the same still. It would not be the same feeling in Wuku and in the theater this if it wasn’t for you Virginia. >> No, you’re so sweet. But you you don’t because like I said you know you’ve been we’ve been quy pass for so very very long and as you know Jason uh things change and we see the community uh changing. >> Did you do Inherit the Wind with Bob and
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>> I did do Inherit the Wind. I sure did >> in a courtroom. We did it a judge. What the heck was his name? It was some judge uh Robert and Risa and me. We did it here at the win. I’ve done that show actually twice. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. They did it again about eight years ago. So, yeah. >> And Rob Tubs, may he rest. >> Oh, I loved Rob Tubs so much. Bless his heart. That was fun. Those people were just downright fun. >> Yeah. >> Boy, I tell you.
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>> And they let us take over the courthouse. Who does that, >> right? >> None of us could believe that they did that. I think it was at the time, I believe, a blast for the past. Are you ready? I think Linda Lingal was the mayor at that point and she actually did a uh a cameo role in it one night and so did Alan Ar. I remember that now. >> They each did a little switched off, you know, I think it was before Allan became mayor that time. And uh >> so we were able to use that courtroom I
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think out of the the graciousness because that’s what we did have the building was in such a state that we couldn’t do it in there. >> So I remember that and I think I remember seeing you around then Tim because I still believe that’s where I met you was through Bob and Ra. >> Well Bob and Rea wanted me to video. >> Oh okay. >> Mr. video. >> You know how Bob could get he’d get a little little unrealistic about things that you could actually really do. Yeah.
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>> Yeah. Oh, they always called on me. >> I know. They’re so sweet, those two. I really been savage. You know those what a story those two. The Yedish theater. >> Oh my goodness. >> And she was a Schwarz like me. >> Yes. I knew that. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So >> Yedish theater. >> Yeah. They as kids. That’s even trippier. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. These young people doing that kind of theater work. He was a gifted actor, that guy, man. He was so great when we
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did that uh Inherit the Win that time. And like you said, rest in peace Bob Tubs. Yeah, it was that was really really fun. >> Look at all these talented people we’re talking about. >> I know. And people that I think about miss, too. >> And they still got new people here. So, what kind of anything’s coming up that I that our audience should be thinking about, looking around the corner? >> Well, yes. The best thing I could I know what’s in rehearsal right now. I know
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that we at Maui on Stage is doing a show called Mouse Trap. It opens March 27th. It’s a murder mystery. It’s like an a it’s an Agatha Christie show. Uh so if you want to check out uh all the information for that, it’s uh Maui onstage.com. I know that the uh Maui Academy of Performing Arts has started rehearsal for Frozen. I don’t know when it opens. >> No. >> But there’s that’s And I know that uh I know some friends of mine are um right now in rehearsal for Rent. I believe
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over at Pro Arts. So, there’s three things in rehearsal right now. >> Isn’t it great shows? And like I say, I hope that all the people on the mainland that are coming here take the time to look at what’s going on in Maui Theater before you get here so you can not miss these shows. That’s right. Or if you’re here, remember to to be checking out these these theater performance because they are fantastic. I have never been disappointed. >> Oh, that’s so sweet. >> Never been disappointed.
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>> Yes. >> The commit, like you say, the people are so committed. Maybe that’s every community theater, but we have an amazing talented depth. >> Yes. >> Of talent here. >> Yeah. And it’s all it’s all age brackets, too. From three years old to 93 years old, rocking rocking the stage. Yeah. Well, I hope that you will come back again and uh join us. You are part of a what was the ghost light awards that was just we’re going to put light on the people that are supporting the theater.
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>> Yeah. People that have worked around and you know as as much fun as it is you because you know it’s still work if you know what I mean. We still it still work but that was that was a recognition. It was very very sweet of them. So >> well >> it was a nice thing >> and I could feel as we were there that the people are so supportive of each other. It’s not really a contest at all. >> No dear none of us are in competition recognition of all these tremendous
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people. >> Same thing with the theater groups. None of us are in competition with each other. It’s none of that kind of stuff. >> What a nice community. We should teach that to the United States. >> You think? Yeah. Imagine that. >> Yeah. Or maybe the world. >> Wow. What an idea. >> What an idea. >> What an idea. >> Well, I’m just going to take our last couple of minutes. We got like four minutes. Um, when I think about all the years that I’ve been on Maui
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and I think about how long and how committed I’ve seen people like you. I’ve seen people that are in the theater that they like Lyanna Lockach. There’s another guy. >> She’s a fabulous I just saw her in a show. She’s fabulous. >> Such an amazing singer. We have We have so many people that the world if they would come here, they’re going to say Amy Hani. We’ve seen her. She’s got zillions, right? Lots of success going on. >> She does. >> But then you look at all these other
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people here. There are depth of talent here that is unrivaled anywhere else I’ve seen >> and people are doing it for the love the love of the art the love of the craft. >> It’s really a really really beautiful >> because it is it is a community theater as great as as great as the shows look and as good the production values are but we’re still you know community theaters and that’s that’s the beautiful part of it. >> It really is beautiful. It is. >> So when I think about the future, I’m
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hoping that we can at least it’s more than keep up with what we’re doing. Wuku is >> kind of gotten a remake and it’s going to be growing and so is there any room there for more things in the arts, you think? >> I don’t see why not. Are there any parks around that can be used in any ways or any? >> Well, not off the top of my head that’s in Wuka proper. Another fun thing to do at Wuku that’s probably not too related to theater, but uh it’s always fun if
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you’re uh here visiting to check out the Bailey House Museum up there. I remember when I was teaching at St. Anthony High School, I did a little show out there in their courtyard. It was beautiful. I >> Bailey House Museum is up on the road toward Eal. >> Yeah. Yeah. Isn’t that where I remember years ago Baldwin House, Bailey House? Yeah. >> I remember when um Kaylee E Relle was just teaching a >> He did a little halo there before he got any successes, right? >> That’s right. He sure did. Yeah. So,
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everybody starts somewhere. >> Yeah. See that? So, Maui’s had some people that have quote been recognized in the big time and George Koku. >> Oh, wow. Yes. >> Years. Yes, some fabulous entertainers. >> I think they need to create the Hawaii category again. >> I do too for the Grammys. Don’t put us into world music cuz it’s a unique >> and stand on its own. Music. >> So, we’re going to like that. >> Yes. >> Thank you for coming and spending this.
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>> This was awesome. It was awesome, Jason. Thanks for inviting me. I had a nice time. I just know that when I saw that theater and I saw you there, I thought this is one person that should be put into the light. >> Oh, so sweet. >> You’ve been just such a like I say, whenever I see you, I light up and I always, always, always, always think of theater and think of Virginia Sandell. >> Thank you, Jason. >> You’ve really been good. >> Thank you. >> Give my love to your husband.
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>> I will. >> He’s so talented. When you go to Wuca, you’re going to see them and you’re going to have a lot of fun with it. We are glad you joined us today. Next week, I’m taking a week and I’m going to be doing some things in the field. Scott Bush Nell is going to have uh Greg, his cousin, on and they’re going to do something here and take this space and have a good time. And so I want you to come back and enjoy it. You can always go up, remember, to marryneutralzone.com.
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This show and all the shows will be up there. full transcripts and summaries and we’re a growing thing. If you know anyone that should be on the show or you want on the show or maybe you want to be on the show, let us know. >> I am going to check out of here. Virginia Sandell, thank you so very much. >> Thank you, Jason. you audience from all around the world and all around Maui. Thank you for joining me and I will see you very soon and we are going to hit the credits and get out of here.
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>> Aloha. >> Take care everyone.
Dear Jason, you are a beacon in the night that also shines throughout the day! You bring many good things and people to be recognized with your generous hosting. Love, Elan.