Looking Ahead to 2013’s A&E Scene

Vanessa Wolf just read the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne and still has no idea what that song is talking about.

By Vanessa Wolf

The Kit Kat Klub performs at the ‘Iao Theater in January. Courtesy photo.

As we bid adieu to 2012 – the Year the Mayans Tried to Kill Us – there are already some of great acts and exciting events lined up for the first few months of 2013.

Here’s a peek at some of the more intriguing ones.

JANUARY

On Wednesday, January 9, the one-of-a-kind, kid friendly Intergalactic Nemesis Live Action Graphic Novel stage show hits Maui’s Castle Theater.

The adventure story, based in the 1930s, follows Pulitzer-winning reporter Molly Sloan, her intrepid assistant Timmy Mendez, and a mysterious librarian named Ben Wilcott as they face the most serious threat Earth has ever known … an impending invasion of sludge monsters from the planet Zygon.

Three actors, one Foley sound artist, and one keyboardist perform all the voices, sound effects and music, and more than 1,000 hand-drawn, full-color, comic book images are displayed on a screen. Tickets are available for $12, $28 and $35.

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On Sunday, January 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. take in TEDxMaui, an independently organized event licensed by TED, the non-profit organization devoted to “Ideas Worth Spreading” is at the MACC

The all day event will feature speakers and performers from the islands and beyond as they share 18-minute presentations intended to inspire, educate, and stimulate.

Tuition for TEDxMaui is $100, with a limited number of $75 tickets for seniors and students which must be purchased in person.

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On Friday, January 25 at 6:45 p.m. you may want to attend One Hot Winter’s Night at the Iao Theater.

Some of Maui’s top talent – including Jonna Ahn, Kathy Collins, Charles Cook, Lia Krieg, Chino LaForge, Alison Mikes, Casey Murphy, Jim Oxboro, Natalie Reynes – join the Kit Kat Klub for an evening of burlesque entertainment.

The adults-only show is hosted by Charlie Dungans and is a benefit for Maui OnStage.

Tickets are $17 to $28.

FEBRUARY

Margaret Cho. Photo courtesy Austin Young.

From February 1 to 3, Maui OnStage presents the “Maui Fringe Theater Festival 2013” at the ‘Iao Theater.

One-act plays of 60 minutes or less will be presented by writers of all experience levels and will cover genres ranging from comedy to drama.

The plays include  “They Call Me Q” by Quarrat Ann Kadwani, “Turner & Hooch 2: Murder at the Wackenheim Manor” by Julia Wackenheim, and even glow-in-the-dark burlesque by the Ultraviolets.

Attendees can purchase tickets for individual events for $10 at the door or an all-show pass for $50, while supplies last.

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Friday, February 8, 7at 7:30 p.m., comedienne Margaret Cho performs at the MACC’s Castle Theater.

The Grammy and Emmy Award-nominated actress and comedienne is known for her outrageous and controversial act.

She’ll be bringing her new show “Mother,” which she has described as, “an untraditional look at motherhood and how we look at maternal figures and strong women in queer culture. It’s probably my edgiest show to date, filled with riotous observations on race, drugs, sexuality – gay, straight, everything in between – celebrity, culture, politics – nothing is sacred – least of all this mother.”

Tickets to the adults-only performance are $27, $37, and $47.

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Every weekend in February studios and galleries across Maui will be hosting the annual Maui Open Studios Event. The first island-wide event of its kind in the state is modeled after successful, vibrant events held on the mainland. The self-guided tours feature over 100 artists in 80 venues. Enjoy refreshments, live demonstrations, and an opportunity to interact with the artists themselves.

Saturday, February 9 and Sunday, February 10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. features North Shore and Upcountry artists from Paia to Kula.

On February 16 and 17 check out Central Maui, Hana Highway, and Hana-based artists and studios.

Finally, on February 23 and 24, Southside and Westside artists have their day.

You can view the full list of artists on the Maui Open Studios site.

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From Friday, February 22 through Monday, February 25 SOURCE Maui 2013 is being held at Camp Keanae.

SOURCE is Maui’s largest annual multi-media arts, music, and healing festival intended to strengthen community bonds and to create and share art, food and song.

Membership includes a full festival pass to the four day interactive art festival and includes camping space and limited dorm space with bunk beds. Each ticket includes two organic, vegan meals per day.

Tickets are $180 to $270, and the organizers ask that you pay for the highest-priced ticket you can afford.

March

From March 1 – 17, Maui OnStage presents Shout! The Mod Musical at the Iao Theater.

The story is set in 60s London and focuses on the life and problems of five women in their 20s, 30s and 40s who all face tough situations, usually involving relationships. Throughout the tale, all five women send letters to Gwendolyn Holmes, advice columnist for the magazine “Shout!” who advises them on how to deal with their issues.

The show features several 60s hits including “These Boots Are Made For Walking,” “Downtown,” and “To Sir, With Love.”

Ticket prices have not yet been publicly stated.

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On Friday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. comedian Bill Cosby performs at the MACC.

Bill Cosby, 1969.

The celebrated comedian and actor’s career spans five decades and virtually all media. In the 1960s, his stand-up act led to a string of best-selling Grammy Award winning comedy albums.

His role on TV’s I Spy – for which he won three Emmy Awards – made him the first African-American to co-star in a dramatic series. In the 1980s, he again changed the face of television with The Cosby Show, a hugely successful series. Since that time, Cosby has been writing, teaching and touring.

Tickets are $45, $55, $75, $85, $115

Have an idea for a fun or thought-provoking story? Get in touch: we want to hear from you. -Vanessa (@mauinow.com)