Thirteen Daughters Are Hot Items at St. Louis

Starring senior Casey Wong, "Thirteen Daughters" was the first musical directed by new Iolani drama teacher, Mr. David Saito.

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10, 11, 12, 13 daughters, 13 daughters! This was the sound that rang out of Mamiya theater when the Iolani Dramatic Players performed the spring musical, "Thirteen Daughters," on Feb. 9, 10, 11, and 12.

"Thirteen Daughters" was chosen by Mr. David Saito, drama teacher and director, because of it's tie to Hawaii. The play is about a Hawaiian princess who marries a foreigner and the curse put on them: thirteen daughters that will not marry.

With 17 seniors, seven juniors, two sophomores, two freshmen, three eighth-graders, three seventh-graders, and four faculty members, this cast displayed a variety of talent in singing, dancing, and acting that made it an enjoyment for those who saw it.

"I liked it because it was interesting and funny," said Shari Nishikawa ('00).

The cast was selected by Mr. Saito, musical director Mr. Donald Yap, and choreographer Ms. Adreinne Lampitelli. They each looked for something different to fulfill the needs of the play. Mr. Saito looked for personalities, Yap looked for singing talent, and Ms. Lampitelli looked for "people who could move to a beat," said Mr. Saito.

For the last three weeks, the cast rehearsed every day for at least two-and-a-half hours to put this play out.

"The cast and crew worked hard to put this play out a month earlier than usual," said Mr. Saito. "We knew we had to be flexible with them, and this allowed the members to have respect for the play."

All the time spent together made for a tight-knit group that worked well together, even though they spanned many different grades.

"It was fun getting to know everyone. It was like the family," said senior Lori-Ann Hamano who played Hawaiian Princess Emmaloa in the musical.

The faculty cameos got a lot of laughs when the faculty members took the stage. Mr. Joseph Guillou, Mr. Fredrick Heyler, Mr. Darin Kohara, and Mr. Scott Todd played the foreign consuls. They spoke in funny accents and waddled around stage.

"We really embellished our part," said Mr. Heyler. "I thought it was the funniest part of the play."

The musical showcased previously undiscovered new talent such as Leah Paraso ('03), Lori Hamano ('00), Casey Wong ('00), Anne Kennedy ('01), Bryce Fukunaga ('00), and Krystal Young ('02).