Broadway on Maui: A night to ignite dreams for Maui’s youth

The Wave of Harmony Foundation will host a May 3 fundraiser, spotlighting a one-night-only celebration of “Broadway on Maui: A Night Under the Stars” at South Maui Gardens, located at 35 Auhana Road in Kīhei.

The foundation will benefit from the fundraiser to support its mission to provide life-changing opportunities for Maui’s youth through the performing arts.

The event features Broadway legends and stars alongside Maui’s talented students from Baldwin Theatre Guild, King Kekaulike Drama and Seabury Hall Performing Arts. Guests will be treated to musical numbers in an atmosphere of inspiration and aloha by such stars as:

• Ted Neeley – Best known for his iconic portrayal of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, both on Broadway and in the classic 1973 film. His illustrious career also includes standout performances in Hair and The Who’s Tommy.
• Yvonne Elliman – A true multi-talent, she originated the role of Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar and later earned global acclaim as a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter. Known for hits like “If I Can’t Have You,” her soulful voice and legendary status make her performance a must-see.
• Teri Bibb – Celebrated for over 1,000 performances as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, both on Broadway and in the National Tour (Helen Hayes nomination, Carbonell Award). She’s also starred in She Loves Me, The Light in the Piazza, and several world premieres.
• Jim Price – Known for his rich voice and commanding presence, he has performed in The Phantom of the Opera and starred in Maui’s production of Les Misérables.

“As funding for arts education faces uncertainty, the need to rally for our keiki has never been greater,” an announcement for the event says. “The Wave of Harmony Foundation, founded by Barry Kawakami, is bridging the gap to ensure that every child, no matter their background, has access to the transformative experience’s of the performing arts.”

“The arts are always the first to be cut,” Kawakami said. “I believe every child should have the chance to be inspired, regardless of their financial circumstances.”

Since its founding in 2023, Wave of Harmony has provided over 7,000 free or subsidized tickets and nearly $300,000 in support for Maui youth theater productions, summer theater camps, scholarships, and arts education.

“If it wasn’t for the arts when I was 9-years-old, I wouldn’t be where I am today, it took a shy local boy and opened my world,” he said. “I want every kid to have that same spark to dream bigger, to believe in themselves, and to know they belong.”

The fundraiser is a chance to help shape Maui’s future — one child, one stage, one magical night at a time. Tickets start at $45, with VIP tables and sponsorships available. Funds raised will support scholarships, youth programs and the next generation of Maui’s artists and leaders.

Seat reservations are available at waveofharmony.org.