Honolulu Weekly

Summer 2007. Hawaii Opera Theatre, in its continued quest to ensnare new audiences, announces its latest smash: The Rocky Horror Show starring the cast of Lost. Naveen Andrews brings to life Adonis-like monster Josh Holloway. Matthew Fox and Evangeline Lily squirm in their underwear. Dominic Monaghan dances the time warp.

Why not? HOT made the decision a few years ago to branch off into light summer fare with Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado followed by The Pirates of Penzance. This year, the industrious HOT tackles Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I starring Richard Chamberlain (Shogun, The Thorn Birds), Broadway veteran Jan Maxwell and Hawai’i idol Jordan Segundo. Keep pushing the envelope HOT.

The question on some minds may be how does Chamberlain’s 72-year-old bare chest measure up to the smoldering Yul Brynner’s? According to Kevin Yamada who plays both the interpreter and Phra Alak, the mini-series-turned-Siam-king hasn’t shed his shirt at rehearsal yet.

‘Not in my presence anyway,’ Yamada says. But, he adds, ‘He’s a very warm and gracious man in addition to being a wonderful actor. You can see it in his eyes. And he’s got a great sense of humor.’ We’ll take grace and wit over 20-year-old pecs.

Martin Rabbett, who directed the Broadway revival of My Fair Lady–also starring Chamberlain–helms the production. Members of the Honolulu Symphony make up the 30-piece orchestra, conducted by guest artist Michael Ching from Opera Memphis.

Blaisdell Concert Hall, Fri 7/21 & 7/28, 8pm; Sat 7/22, 7:30pm (military night); Sat 7/29, 2pm (family matinee); Sun 7/23 & 7/30, 4pm; $20-$75, [hawaiiopera.org], 596-7858