Lee Tonouchi is a master wordsmith of Hawaii's own regional pidgin. His hysterical short stories are perennial winners in local contests and he has been a key force in shaping local literature and, more specifically, local pigdin literature. The Kumu Kahua Theater, which is as local as local can be, is putting a collection of Tonouchi's works onstage in "Living Pidgin." Definitely hit this show. For visitors, this is the equivalent of a G-rated version of Eddie Murphy partaking in pointed cultural observations and criticisms. For locals, its just funny stuff about what we already know. The theater is a small space and fabulous for shows.

Kumu Kahua Theater
46 Merchant Street, Honolulu, Hawai`i 96813 (Map)
Box Office Phone: (808) 536-4441

—Alex, 01/02/07