HA: BREATH OF LIFE PREMIERE, AUGUST 14TH, 2009

After more than three years of planning and $3 million-plus in preparation, the Polynesian Cultural Center premiered Hā: Breath of Life, its new evening show, on August 14, 2009. (A “soft opening” dress rehearsal was held the week before for travel industry and other invited guests.)

Using new animation, surround-sound, digital lighting, staging effects, costumes, choreography, music, even renovated backstage facilities and a cast of over 100 — mostly students at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, Hā follows the saga of a young couple expecting their first child.

When a volcano erupts, they flee their home and survive a storm at sea. Then, each of the major Polynesian groups at the Cultural Center tells a portion of the story in its own unique way from a different perspective in the young familyʻs lives:

● Tongans provide the couple with a new home and celebrate the birth of their son, Mana. ● Hawaiians celebrate Mana’s survival into boyhood with feasting and hula. ● The Maoris help Mana develop into a strong young man. ● In Samoa, Mana literally walks through fire to prove his love for the beautiful Lani. ● Tahitians celebrate their marriage. ● In Fiji, Mana defends his home and mourns the death of his father. ● As Mana reflects on his life, the Samoan fire knife dance symbolically represents the productionʻs circle of life motif; ● and in the finalé, the entire cast celebrates the first breath of life of Mana and Lani’s new daughter, Hina.

The PCC launched its new night show with typical Polynesian pageantry, a VIP reception and a complimentary showing for the entire community, but also with a sense that Hā departed from its proven night show formula. For example, approximately nine million people enjoyed its predecessor, Horizons: Where the Sea Meets the Sky over a 14-year-run of about 4,500 performances.

In fact, Elder Dallin H. Oaks (then of The Quorum of the Twelve) was a surprise visitor during the last showing of Horizons. “It was a coincidence that we planned to be here on vacation at this time,” said Elder Oaks, who served as Chairman of the PCC’s Board of Directors in the summer of 1995 when Horizons started. “It’s been a grand celebration. Much has been accomplished. We thank you for your diligence and high excellence, and you join with me in looking forward to a new day.”

PCC President and CEO Von D. Orgill remarked, “Over three years ago, we wondered if we could build off of the great successes of the past, combining the best of the cultures in a way that would also tell a powerful story that would be felt and remembered by our guests. Now, with a growing number of performances of Hā behind us, we know the answer is a resounding, Yes!”

“Guests love the entire experience at the PCC and the night show is always a marvelous climax to their day,” President Orgill continued, pointing out that satisfaction surveys show between 92-96 percent of guests rank the Center’s night show as excellent.

The storyline in Hā also breaks ground in requiring a “star” system of sorts, with night show cast members playing the key roles of the family members. During the premiere performance, Ricky Suaava, who is originally from American Samoa, played the role of the mature Mana, Luçie Wilson of Laie was Lani, and Atu Vaka and Lupiana Fiefia — both of Ha‘ateiho, Tonga — portrayed the mother and father. Mykle Keni and William Mahoni, both of Laie, played younger versions of Mana; and other leads included Terina Oto and Boyd “Junior” Lauano.

PCC Theater Director Ellen Gay Dela Rosa explained that the main characters were selected several months ago. “We opened it up to the whole cast, not sure what the turnout would be, but it was wonderful. All the cultural leaders were involved in the selection process.”

“We selected them on their coordination, stage presence, poise and, of course, they had to be good at dancing in all Polynesian styles. They had to be good at getting along with their fellow cast members: We also wanted to make sure we had to right ones in terms of personality and integrity.”

“It was very difficult to make a choice, but we couldn’t have asked for better performers,” Dela Rosa continued. “We haven’t developed stars in our theater system — everybody is considered a star here — but these worked very hard and earned the right to be where they are.”

Suaava said, “I feel privileged to play the main role, and I love doing it, but I also realize there’s a lot to be done to attain the goal of the whole show. This has been a wonderful opportunity for me, and it’s a great show for everyone to come see.” And Vaka, who served in the Denver Colorado South Mission, said he really enjoys acting in the role of Mana’s father: “It’s kind of like a practice for me being a father in the future.”

“We had an incredible team working very, very hard to create this new experience,” President Orgill said. “We trust that Hā: Breath of Life is going to be a favorite of the visitor industry for many years to come.”

Sidebar comment: Foley, who’s seen every PCC night show since 1967 (and from backstage when he was the student-stage manager from 1968–1970), said Hā was exceptional. “I loved the storyline as it followed Mana’s growth and development. I was also particularly impressed with the initial cast members chosen for the key roles.”

“For example, the premiere took place when the Laie Hawaii Temple was closed (2009–2010) for major renovations,” he added, “so I was surprised the week before when my wife and I flew over to attend the Kailua-Kona Hawaii Temple, that Lupiana was in our session. ‘I really wanted to be extra ready for Hā and my role,’ she told me after.”