On March 30, the auditorium held the faculty and staff play, Incident at Fa Fa Fa Auwe.

Having the faculty play every four years is a tradition at McKinley. The localized theme was chosen by James Nakamoto, former drama teacher at the school. Nakamoto, for whom the auditorium stage is named after, directs the faculty play.The play consisted of 60-65 faculty and staff and they practiced after school since February. The play was about a prince who did not laugh since the age of three. Various groups sang and danced to try to amuse him. Nothing worked…until the King got a pie in the face! Some comments from the faculty and staff: I believe that the students thoroughly en joyed seeing teachers dance, sing, and have fun and the human side of teachers. The tradition of McKinley’€™s Faculty plays is great.

Isn’t it a great tradition…just look at the turnout at the Dress Rehearsal. The audience is getting bigger and bigger as the years go by. Wow. For the faculty to organize and do some thing like this for our students enjoyment is truly remarkable and shows you the kind of staff we have and what we are capable of accomplishing. Amazing what we can accomplish when we all work together.

Neal Takamori – Prince Peanut Buttercup

Being that this was my first experience with the McKinley Faculty play, I was very excited to be a part of this long-honored tradition. Although I do not have any real talent, I was glad that I could somehow contribute to the play. Once I found out what my role was going to be and what the final act would be, I was relieved that I would not have to dance or sing. A pie in the face, I can do that! It was very interesting to hear the reaction of the audience the first time at dress rehearsal, as I am assuming, they were not expecting the principal to be hit in the face with a pie! So they were at first stunned silent, then began to laugh as they realized what had just happened! It was also the same reaction from the students as well. Most of them were silent and I heard many of them gasp in shock, then roar to laughter once the shock wore off! This for me was the most funniest part of being part of the play! Overall, I am glad that this is such a huge part of our tradition here at McKinley and will do whatever it takes to maintain it! I want to thank all of the faculty and staff members who participated both on and off the stage to making it a huge success! And to Jimmy Nakamoto and Peggy Anderson, much €œMahalo€ for helping us put on this wonderful event!

Ron Okamura-King Kumu

Blaine Kia was a tremendous help, and he really set the tone for the number, both comically and artistically.

Joey Akana – hula group member

The time it took to prepare was difficult, because we were all so busy with other school functions, but it was worth it because the students seemed to enjoy it and we got a chance to have some fun together on stage. We were the only group that was allowed to just ad-lib our lines as we announced the next performers so we would make each other other laugh by making up new things.

Cory Marlowe – jester

I love how it really brought unity between all the teachers and staff. For us to come together and put in all our time and efforts into something that benefits our students is a win win situation. And to hear the response of the students and fellow staff members was well worth the hard work! I loved it! Bravo Tigers… Bravo!!!

Edward Sariol – Hot Lava choreographer

Some comments from the students:

The faculty play was very funny and enjoyable. I wish I could be here to see the next one.

Vance Aloncel (10)

The faculty staff play was one of the most entertaining plays I’ve ever seen! What makes it even better was the fact that we could see our teachers act a way we’ve never seen before.

Kameron Yamada (10)

The play was hilarious. I couldn’t stop laughing and I’m glad I didn’€™t miss it. Also, I didn’€™t know that the teachers can dance. Hahaha, it shocked me. Overall, it was great and funny.

Joseph Sabugo (12)

The faculty play was entertaining, funny, and enjoyable. I don’€™t see how anyone could not enjoy it.

Cory Canite (10)

I felt the play was great. After a stressful week, something funny helped me become unstressed. I wished it was every year, but it’s once every four years. It was funny watching the teachers dance and act.

Anne Lau (10)

Oh the faculty play! Instead of the teachers watching us students be all silly, we were the ones to watch them. It was really fun to laugh till my cheeks started to hurt.

Aubrey Fernandez (10)

I think the play was awesome. The teachers put a lot of effort and energy to make their performance special, creative, and most of all HILARIOUS! I really liked the dancing and singing, I had no idea my teachers could be so talented! Anyways, the play was AMAZING! GREAT PERFORMANCE!

Francis Vilar (10)