While a student at the University of Hawai'i, one of my most memorable classes was Multimedia. We learned everything from script writing, stage lighting and props, filming, directing, and editing. So much fun!! So I guess you could say I have a soft heart for those in this industry. Now during my lifetime, I've met a LOT of actors too. You know the kind, that act nice to your face but will gossip behind your back. I don't support those kind of actors LOL This review is about, "The Piano Lesson" the actual 1990 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Drama, and professional stage performance, written by August Wilson in 1987. The scene takes place in 1936 Pittsburgh with a family having a debate over an heirloom piano. This performance was directed by Shervelle Hannah, who does an incredible job portraying Boy Willie. This character is super determined to sell the family heirloom piano, so as to make enough money to buy land from the former slave owner. The entire cast did an outstanding stage performance. Their voices, their body language, all combined with music and lighting made such compelling entertainment. Let's not forget the star, a majestic black piano carved with detail and included their family legacy of portraits. Bravo! This was a phenomenal performance ladies and gentlemen. We absolutely loved watching you on stage! And in case you didn't know, the United States Postal Service honored August Wilson in 2021 with his image on a Black Heritage Forever stamp :) read more

The Actors Group - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I attended The Lake Effect on July 5. The performance was excellent. All three characters were believable and I cared what happened to them. I loved the director's use of silence at certain points in the story. It sometimes says more that many paragraphs. I hadn't seen Jason on stage since Ma Raney's Black Bottom at TAG. this play was an afternoon well spent! read more

Saw "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" this afternoon. As background to the name "Joe Turner", it is not someone's name, but a reference to anyone who captured and turned in runaway slaves. The play takes place during the 1910's and it centers around a boarding home run by Bertha and Seth Holly and the people who roomed there. The degree of PTSD for each of them varies, as do the interactions that trigger those emotional and gut wrenching memories. Excellent acting and the perfect intimate venue. read more

The Actors Group - Mini posters of past performances - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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TAG is a quaint theater with comfortable seating. We saw "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" on 5/30 and as first-timers we were not sure what to expect. Check went smoothly and the show started promptly. Snacks at intermission were delicious and affordable. The temperature got quite warm at times; it could be cooler. Make sure to get to your seat before curtain- there were several late-comers who were a distraction as they tried to find their seats as the play was going on. read more

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If you want incredibly strong writing, come to TAG. I saw Lake Effect with one of my alumni and the story was so powerful, the set and blizzard effects were superb and Jason Quinn was phenomenal on every level (watching him was like watching a National Theatre UK performance.... ) read more

If you see only one stage play this summer, make it "The Lake Effect" at TAG. But hurry! There are only 4 performances left - July 9th through 12th. The story is captivating and meaningful, full of unexpected twists and turns. Actors are first-rate, 3 performers who know their craft. Directing is top-notch, with excellent timing and blocking throughout. Add a snowstorm in Iwilei, and you have a great early-summer show! read more

We love the selection and wide range of plays TAG (The Actors Group) puts on, and even more impressive than the great play choices is the incredible talent this smaller theater is able to attract. Some of the best acting we have seen in any city or venue has been at TAG. We originally found TAG from the August Wilson Pittsburgh Cycle plays they put on back in 2015, and now that they are doing them again, we are going back to see them all. Over the years we have REALLY enjoyed many plays they are so good, we will even go see things that might not seem high interest to us, because the shows are well produced and acting is always top notch, It is well worth it! Some other info: Parking is validated in Dole Cannery theater. They have a little bar and goodie sale booth before the performance and during intermission. The theater is intimate and welcoming and you can be close to the stage and also meet and talk with the actors after the show. There can not be many places in the country where you can see this quality of acting at this price. It is really a hidden gem. They also upgraded their seating to be more comfortable and spacious and we can pick your seats when you buy tickets (so book early if you can!) There are not many pre-show dinner options near by, but with TAGs easy parking, we eat downtown and drive over. If you have not been yet, check out TAG Hawaii's website, pick a show that interests you, and join the crowd of people that love what this group is doing! read more

Excellent theater production. We saw Joe Turner's Come and Gone. While a small theater the acting was first rate. The set and Lighting were professional and they utilized multimedia in the production more intriguing. I liked that they had assigned seating so we weren't rushing to find a seat. They serve beverages and homemade snacks. The molasses cookies were yummy. I plan to go see the other productions because of the quality of the show. read more

Enjoyed the play, Indigo's Child. Love the cozy theater setting. Hope to be back on future shows.

Nice little theater on the ground floor of Dole Cannery on the Maui's side fronting Iwilei St. plenty of parking in Dole Cannery at $3/half-hour. Validations available. read more

The Actors Group - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We always have a great time at TAG. Thank you for showcasing plays that don't get performed at other theaters. A small, intimate theater space that lets you be close to the performance. A variety of shows and the "Reader's Theater" is also worth attending. If you haven't been to TAG, check out a show asap. read more

Great actors in a local theaterhouse showcasing all kinds of drama! Must see! Check out their latest season and enjoy the performances. I am a season subscriber and highly recommend TAG Theater. Thumbs up! read more

The Actor's Group ( TAG) is a real Honolulu treasure. The plays are absolutely professional productions, with excellent acting and superior design and lighting. Ticket prices are reasonable, AND complimentary wine and baked goods for a dollar. People should really experience The Actor's Group (TAG). read more

I noticed TAG has drop in improv classes on weekends and ended up attending the course. I was so glad I went because it put me out of my comfort zone, and it really pushed my limits. Having tried Toastmasters before, I thought improv classes are a way more fun way to work on stage presence, improvisation and public speaking, while integrating humor! Larissa was our teacher, and she was the best. Super engaging & encouraging, warm and friendly, the perfect teacher for someone new to improv classes. We worked on an assortment of exercises for an hour, and before we knew it, our one hour class was up. We warmed up with word play and physical movement and eventually ended with acting out the same scenes using different response., I also loved the intimate size of the class (there were only four students the day we went). The class was held in the intimate theater stage on the first floor of the Dole Cannery. Looking forward to checking out their shows at a future date! How to find the place: Enter the building and face a common seating area, and the door is to the left has a large TAG sign. Enter there. 2 hour free validated parking is available at the garage directly across the street. read more

I saw "Golda" at TAG. A wonderfulOne woman performance in a sweet, and honest little theater.

Laurie the main point of contact and secretary, and just all-around awesome person was very accommodating and intuitive when it came to knowing what was right for us. read more

I was fortunate to catch the final performance of "Perfect Arrangement" on Sunday and I say: BRAVA & BRAVO!! The casting was superb! Performances were spot on. The characters, costumes, music--DETAILS took this fine show to another level! It was a fast-passed rendering of another time in the "moral" life of America that could be so eye-opening for folks born long after the '50s! Wow! Haw things change and yet, somehow remain the same! The show was smart, funny, emotional, funny, topical, edgy-and did I say funny?? TAG is known for pushing the boundaries in our theatrical community BRAVO ALL! You did it again! read more

Love the shows that we have seen here and the intimacy of the small venue, but the chairs are so uncomfortable it is hard to sit through it.

Best local theater. Building Code is very good. Very creative. Good location. Support local theater

Went to see True West on opening night. Great talent, great set, great show. Everyone was really friendly. Had to take off one star because the temperature kept fluctuating throughout the show, and it got really warm at times. Unrelated to this review, but pertinent to my experience, if you're the person who marinated in patchouli oil before the show, thanks for the migraine! read more

The Actors Group - Performing Arts Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Attended for the first time to view "The Shepherds and Angels" and so enjoyed it. Local theatre at its best. Thank you

I've attended two performances at TAG since accidentally discovering it after a movie at Dole Cannery. I can say without a doubt that the rave reviews are all accurate. This is an amazing theater! The acting is superb, both plays we've seen were very different and also very unique. The first was Rotterdam, a drama about gay and transgender relationships -- brilliant! The second was Building Permit. This was a fascinating mix of drama and comedy, a true story told by the people who lived it. We enjoyed our two visits so much that we bought a season's subscription. We highly recommend it! read more

The Actors Group, also known as TAG, arguably showcases the best community theatre in the state. For a modest subscription to the 2008-09 season -- which ranges from $60 for 5 performances to $77 for 7 -- it is the most enjoyable investment in the performing arts that you will ever make here. Growing from its humble start in a second floor walk up in Kakaako's Yellow Brick Theatre with 40 cozy seats, this talented troupe has branched out to Chinatown's Historic Mendonca Building. With the welcome addition of space, you will not be disappointed to experience high quality performances ranging from heart-wrenching drama to irreverent comedy in an intimate setting. I am very pleased to see some of my favorite plays staged here from famed playwright August Wilson. Now playing from 8/8/08 to 8/31/08, is "The Clean House" by Sarah Ruhl. This comedy is set in metaphysical Connecticut and is about maid who doesn't like to clean, but likes to tell jokes, two married physicians, one compulsive obessive sister, and some life-changing twists of fate. Not to be missed is my favorite of TAG's best kept secrets. Be sure to save your appetite for one or two of long-time volunteer, Joyce Powell's, home-baked offerings. These delectable bites are sold during intermission. There are many other secret delights from these talented folks that one ought to discover. TAG is the the best off-Broadway stage in the heart of Honolulu. Don't miss it! read more

We went to see A Doll's House here last night and loved it. The characters were well done, and the sets and costumes were excellent. What beautiful details! Also, the little theatre was easy to find, the seats were comfy, the staff was very friendly, and Intermission was lovely... There was wine and cheese, and the -best- homemade baked goods for only $1. read more

Went to see "The Pillowman" last night and it was one of the best performances that I have ever seen in Hawai'i. They are a small group in a small theater but they are also the most professional bunch of actors I have ever seen which is why they are able to tackle such serious issues and plays. They validate if you park in the Dole Cannary parking. read more

The Actors Group (TAG) is consistently superior theater. Their choice of productions is very good as is the staging and acting. It is a small intimate theater and I'm very rarely disappointed. I find it the most satisfying theater on the island. read more

what a wonderful evening at the theater. the performances blew me away. This is a great small venue with excellent performances, set design and strong direction. I am going to see all their productions! read more

TAG is a scrappy little theater with some surprising and welcome selections you won't find at the bigger local venues. Also, you can't beat Joyce's dessert selections at intermission! If you have any interest in theater, you'll be glad you checked out TAG. read more

Always an AMAZING show & venue @TAGACTORS. As a former actor & patron of TAG, one of my favorite places to be. Mahalo for all the entertainment!!! read more

Intimate theater, very well done for the size of the cast, and support crew. I would go again. Fun and enjoyable experience.

Delightful performance, theatre & people! Highly recommend & so glad I got season tickets this year!

I saw Cat on a Hot Tin Roof last night and it was great. The seating is small and intimate. There are no bad seats. You might want to get there a little early if you have a large group so you can sit together. A sweet little lady sells homemade goodies at intermission. read more

TAGs production of DISGRACED at the Brad Powell Theatre in Honolulu was well acted and a delightful Sunday afternoon production. I'm letting the powerful theme resonate with me for a while. Truth be known, it was hard not to have some affinity for each character portrayed. I am looking forward to TAGs next production soon! Again, Bravo, well done, TAG!!! BTW it couldn't be easier to view plays at Dole Cannery's Brad Powell Theatre - validated parking at cinema parking, ample seating, even wine & cheese for today's performance! read more

A really excellent experience. Location was easy to find as was parking. People were welcoming; theatre was small and intimate. The play was so interesting, acting was professional = all in all most enjoyable! I will definitely be back. read more

QUALITY theatre for intelligent audiences. I've seen MANY plays at TAG, including back when it was in Kakaako, and I have to say that it's my favorite because it's so intimate and they choose extremely smart plays. The theatre is actually easy to find - just pretend you are going to Dole cannery movie theaters and then walk across the street on the Ewa side. They even validate parking for that big lot. The small space means every seat is a great seat cause you can truly see and feel the actors. You won't regret it! read more

I've got to give 5 big starts to TAG for their recent offerings of Edward Albee plays 'American Dream' and 'Zoo Story'. This little theatre does big work. In 'American Dream' the cast does excellent ensemble work. Some of the very best I've seen since moving to O'ahu from Los Angeles about a year ago. As a 30+ year veteran of the theatre and having seen some great productions of all sort of genre -- I have to say, that I found one of the best theatres on this island in TAG. "Zoo Story" offered up one of the best ever portrayals and interpretations of the play and the character of Jerry -- that I've ever seen done. In both plays, the directors were very aware of the pace and subtext in the material, and in particular in Zoo Story. wow. I thoroughly enjoyed an evening out at the theatre! Each time I go, I get inspired! read more

It was our first experience and we saw The Crusade of Connor Stephens. It was an excellent performance. The acting was great. I wanted to shoot the father and hug the son and his husband. In addition to the outstanding actors, the volunteer staff were helpful and refreshments were available including some great homemade snacks. Definitely want to go back. read more

TAG... what would we do without you? We have followed you from theater to theater enjoying a wonderful selection of plays, dedicated actors, and always look forward to the next production. Can't recall seeing anything that was not top-notch. As an aside.... don't pass up "Joyce's Goodies" during intermission! read more

Amazing experience! Great place! Super actors! Love the sets! Wonderful intermission refreshments! Terrific entertainment! A super way to spend time! Thank you! read more

Love this little theater! Very intimate and charming. Joyce's Goodies during intermission are a real treat.