For the Love of Joshua
Local star Kristian Lei promises an evening of Broadway favorites as she presents Honolulu Broadway Babies, all for a good cause
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Local star Kristian Lei promises an evening of Broadway favorites as she presents Honolulu Broadway Babies, all for a good cause
The man who is born with a talent he is meant to use, finds the greatest happiness in using it. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
With about a week to go until show time, renowned singer, songwriter and actress Kristian Lei is busy - no question about it. But there’s also a joyous, calming spirit about her that’s infectious to everyone she meets.
Philippine-born and Hawaii-raised, Lei is currently gearing up for Honolulu Broadway Babies’ fourth annual concert, “A Broadway Fashion Rock Revue,” set for 7:30 p.m. June 4, 5 and 6 at Leeward Community College Theatre.
With a cast of 120 talented individuals and musical headliners from New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, Colorado Springs and Hawaii, Lei says the concert will be an infusion of the couture fashion world into the world of musical theatre.
“There’s something for everyone in this show,” she says. “We’re highlighting fashion, we’re putting music and Broadway music together and we specifically made it a rock revue because we believe in uplifting the community and people’s spirits, especially in these tough times.”
Lei founded the nonprofit organization in 2005 to raise awareness of those who are developmentally challenged and to inspire those with special needs to build their knowledge, confidence and social skills.
“I’d recommend this show to anyone who loves Broadway and can’t afford to take a plane to New York at this moment, and anyone who might think they’d like to learn a little bit more about Broadway, but might feel a little uncomfortable or intimidated,” adds cast member and award-winning recording artist Anita Hall. “This is a great way for them to get their feet wet because there’s contemporary music alongside the Broadway music.”
Produced by Lei and directed by Shawn Thomsen, HBB’s “A Broadway Fashion Rock Revue” will feature stars from Broadway hits, including Jay Pierce (Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar), Raymond Patterson (Miss Saigon and Jesus Christ Superstar), Marc Dalio (Beauty and the Beast, West Side Story, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon) and Hawaii’s own Anita Hall, Pamela Young, Irmgard Mihana and the Honolulu Broadway Babies All-Star Road Cast, among many others.
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This year, in fact, two of Hawaii’s most-iconic fashion masterminds, Takeo Kobayashi and Eric Kamakahia`ai Chandler of 2Couture, will contribute to the show by designing and providing all the costumes for the cast as well as performing in the revue.
For Lei, time is really flying. From rehearsals to scheduling, she’s quick to admit that every minute in a day is taken. However, beyond the smoky mirrors, lavish costumes and incredible talent, Lei credits her 25-year-old younger brother Joshua, who is developmentally challenged, as HBB’s inspiration.
“My relationship with Joshua is very special because since I was a little girl I would take care of him and be his second mommy,” says Lei. “My mom was always there for us, but when she had to work with my dad, I would always pick Joshua up from school, made sure he did his homework and fed him.
“This passion comes from him and our history together. Not only is he developmentally challenged, I really feel like he’s my first child, so whenever I do this production I always have him at heart and mind.”
Reports show that as of last year there were more than 3,300 developmentally challenged individuals in the state, 70 percent of them adults living with their parents. It is Lei’s dream to one day build a school for those with developmental challenges to continue their education after high school, but for now she’s working to raise awareness of the need for a school like this.
“Since I was a little girl I’ve always wanted to build a school for people like my younger brother, but I didn’t know how I would do it,” says Lei, who began her singing career at the age of 19 when she landed the lead role of Kim in the Cameron Mackintosh production of Miss Saigon in Germany. “Now, I think being in Miss Saigon and making friends in the business and then having a venue or avenue in which I can accomplish that - my
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