Punahou Presents

List of 9 items.

• Lea Woods Friedman ’93 Almanza

  From singing along with Mr. Yorck in 1st grade, performing as a Holoku director and musician under the guidance of Kumu Dave, to her favorite Dillingham Hall memory of sophomore year in the musical “Peter Pan” as Wendy – sharing the stage with her baby brother John '02 as Michael Darling, her 13 years at Punahou truly helped to nurture Lea’s love and joy in music through all genres. Even when performing professionally around the globe as an opera singer, Lea knew O‘ahu was where she wanted to raise a family. Thus, with great gratitude she is now able to watch her own two kids start their Punahou journey on this amazing campus! She breathes each day grateful to Live Joy & Give Joy through the gift of music with her LWA Vocal Studio students and performing at Diamond Head Theatre

• Kristin Ing ’90 Aune

  Kristin is on the faculty at Punahou Dance School, and is honored to work with this exceptional community and teach alongside her mother, Charlys Ing. She also teaches dance classes for the Parkinson’s community. Punahou, Yale University, Harvard Graduate School of Education. Inspiration - her brilliant students and colleagues inspire her every day!

• Roslyn Freitas ’82 Catracchia

  Roz is a songwriter, playwright, musical director, singer, teacher, worship leader and lifelong learner. She is Director of Worship and Performing Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu. Roz attended the University of Hawai‘i ’88, B.A. in Liberal Studies with a self-designed “Creative Arts” major, combining combined Art, Music, Drama, Speech and Poetry. Inspiration - her mother, Beebe Freitas, is her first and primary inspiration, and Dr. Scott’s speeches to the graduating class over the past 10+ years have deepened her love for the School and her desire to give back. “Watching students respond and fall in love with singing and music, truly rocks my world. I sing my praises to Jesus forever and ever! I am a very thankful girl.”

• Ahnya Chang ’97

  Ahnya is on the faculty at Punahou Dance School, and is a performer,
  director, and choreographer in Honolulu. She spent several years as a Teaching Artist with the National Dance Institute, and trained in Kathak dance in New Delhi and New York City, where she performed with the Kathak Ensemble. Inspiration - Her teachers and colleagues, who continue to remind her how much there is to share with students and audiences. “Creative arts and live performance bring out unique qualities in all who have the privilege to participate, and help us be our best in every area of our lives. Arts educators have a special opportunity to reach people and guide them toward that level of personal excellence.”

• Willy Falk ’76

  Based in New York City for the past 34 years, Willy is a Tony-nominated veteran of seven Broadway shows, numerous off-Broadway shows and touring companies, as well as opera and concert work in the U.S. and abroad. As a performer, it is his hope to entertain and to make people happy. At Punahou, encouraged by his voice and dance teachers, Willy received a scholarship for his lessons. In addition to a strong academic foundation, he was exposed to the performing arts which changed his life, and for which he will always be grateful. Willy attended Harvard University ’79, B.A. in English and American Literature; The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art ’80. Inspiration - “people who do the right thing even if it is not the easy thing.”

• Laura Keller ’06

  Laura began playing the violin at age three and has performed ever since. From kindergarten through graduation, Punahou helped to foster the importance of sharing her gift and love of music with others. Laura sees “giving back” as a way of saying a heartfelt thank you! She currently lives in San Francisco, is a violin faculty member at the East Bay Center for Performing Arts, and performs throughout the Bay Area. Laura attended New England Conservatory ’10, Bachelor of Music; Yale University ’12, Master of Music. Inspiration - “the experiences I’ve had and the people who have taught me the things that have shaped my world and who I am.”

• Sumire Matsubara ’09

  Entertainment has been in Sumi’s blood through her grandfather and grandmother on both sides of the family. She was “bitten by the theatre bug” in her first summer musical, “Once On This Island,” in 7th grade at Punahou. Sumi attended Carnegie Mellon University. Inspiration - her mother, stepfather, brother Oliver, friends, teachers and mentors. “Without their help and guidance and love, I could’ve never achieved the things I have in my life.”

• Andrew Sakaguchi ’88

  A dancer/singer/actor, teacher, director and choreographer based in New York City, Andrew has had an extensive career in dance and musical theater that has taken him around the world. He has fond memories performing on the Dillingham stage with Punahou Dance School, Dance Theater, and Chorale, and it is a pleasure and a privilege for him to return home. He also notes, “I’m proud to perform in memory of the wonderful Gary Heidel.” Inspiration – “So many people have inspired me, so I will choose the children: They thrill me with their possibility and demand that I do my all to empower them toward a bright and limitless future.”

• Jason Tam ’01

  Jason’s numerous credits include: Broadway: “If/Then,” “Lysistrata Jones,” “A Chorus Line,” “Les Misérables.” Off-Broadway: “Marry Me A Little.” Regional: Guthrie Theatre, Sacramento Music Circus, Casa Mañana, Sharon Playhouse. NY/Workshop: “Nobody Loves You,” “Allegiance,” “The Last Goodbye,” “Clueless,” “The Black Suits,” “The Nightingale,” “The Yellow Wood.” TV: “Do No Harm,” “Hawaii 5-0,” “Guilty,” “One Life to Live,” “Beyond the Break.” Film: “Every Little Step” (documentary). Jason attended New York University ’05, B.F.A.