Kiss Me, Kate
SECOND SHOW OF 2024
Lilli Vanessi returns to the stage from Hollywood to re-team with her former costar and ex-husband, Fred Graham in a musical version of William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”. Foes at first, things quickly turn sweet between Lilli and Fred when they each realize that the spark that once made them lovers is still there. That is, until a mistaken bouquet delivery sets them off again and causes their combat to spill over to their on-stage scenes. Filled with Cole Porter classics such as “Another Op’nin’ Another Show”; “So in Love”; “Too Darn Hot,” and “Always True to You in My Fashion.” Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm. Call (808) 733-0274 or buy tickets here. Runs April 5 to 27. See our new theatre seat map.
OUR STORY ON STAGE
In 1915, The Footlights was formed as a new theatrical group in Honolulu. The Amazons was its first production and starred many prominent Honolulu citizens inlcuding Will Lewers, Mrs. Walter F. Dillingham, Helen Alexander, Margaret Center and Gerrit Wilder. Held at Honolulu Opera House, where the historic Merchant Street Post Office now stands, these collective performances would serve as the spirited beginning of America’s third-oldest, continuously operating theatre.
In 1934, the wildly popular Footlights evolved into Honolulu Community Theatre. Its original mission still stands: “Community service through the art of theatre, involving Hawaii’s people as audience members, stage crew and performers.”
During World War II, thousands of troops were entertained at more than 300 performances throughout the Pacific (a tradition that continued with the Pacific tour of Ain’t Misbehavin’ during the 1990 season).
Honolulu Community Theatre found a home to call its own in 1952. It took up permanent residence in Honolulu’s Gold Coast District of Diamond Head. Back then, Fort Ruger was a critical army base that included a military residential community and an aging movie house that was built in the 1930s. Although never designed for stage productions, the war-era movie house was retrofitted to the extent it could. A scene shop and costume center were added. Installation of lighting and sound systems were made in the 1980s.
In 1990, a new name for an old friend was given. Honolulu Community Theatre became Diamond Head Theatre. The aging theatre house was reimagined and a contemporary and visionary live theatre was opened in January 2023. DHT’s Fort Ruger Theatre closed on October 2022 with an encore performance of Anything Goes. Support is needed for phase II redevelopment of the Theatrical Arts Building devoted to education programs, a costume center and offices.
Kiss Me, Kate Backstage Bits
If you follow the entertainment news you’ve no doubt heard or read about the limited opportunities for female creatives [...]
Auditions: Get Ready To Let It Go
Get ready to "Let It Go." Audition dates are set for Diamond Head Theatre's production of Disney's Frozen on [...]
Staging the Whimsical Whodunit
In 2024, Diamond Head Theatre presented the mystery and mayhem of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 that ran from [...]
Sponsor a seat in our new theatre
Funding for the nonprofit Diamond Head Theatre is supported by programs such as this one: seat sponsorship in its [...]
ACT II: A NEW ARTS COMPLEX
WE BELONG TOGETHER
Diamond Head Theatre brings Hawaii together to celebrate music, dance and the art of performance with spirited shows, a continuum of classes and exciting experiences for the entire ohana.
2023-24 Season Sizzles
Watch our video as this season will bring laughter, tears and belonging. Producer’s Club members and season ticket holders are guaranteed seats in shows that rival Broadway.