Photos by Joan Marcus and Diner en Blanc
LOS ANGELES – A beloved musical, featuring a young actor proud of his Native Hawaiian heritage, and an epic outdoor dinner tradition are spicing up summer in Los Angeles.
Makoa, who made his Broadway debut in “Mamma Mia!,” is now in LA as part of the 25th anniversary national touring production of the popular musical, while Diner en Blanc, a French-inspired urban picnic to date held in 120 cities in 40 countries, returns to La La Land after seven years.
Makoa (2nd from left, back) with the company | Photo by Joan Marcus
“I’m excited to share this show with Los Angeles audiences,” Makoa, who hails from Hilo, Hawaii, wrote in our email chat. “‘Mamma Mia!’ is such a joyful experience, and there’s nothing like hearing a full audience laughing, singing along, and leaving the theater smiling. That’s what makes this show so special.”
Indeed. At the show’s recent opening night at the Ahmanson Theatre, it was easy to surrender to the show’s charm. On our nth time to see the musical in its various incarnations – the 2008 film adaptation starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried, and numerous stage productions – the irresistible appeal of the ABBA hits, through which the story set in Greece is told, has not faded.
The audience at Ahmanson, many of whom also probably saw “Mamma Mia!” several times, sang and clapped along, stood up, and danced to such hits by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus as “Voulez-Vous,” “Super Trouper,” and “Take a Chance on Me.”
What is commendable is that through the years, since the jukebox musical debuted in the West End in 1999, the show’s casting has become more diverse and addressed the issue of inclusivity.
Jalynn Steele and the company | Photo by Joan Marcus
This particular production, bringing fun and feel-good vibes that began on Broadway, boasts of Juliette M. Ojeda, the first Cuban-American Sophie; Jalynn Steele and Grant Reynolds, the first Black Tanya and Sky, respectively; Filipino American Jordan De Leon; and several other actors of color in the ensemble, including Makoa, who is also an understudy for the characters Pepper and Eddie.
For Makoa, the representation of Hawaiian people and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) “means everything. I didn’t grow up seeing many Native Hawaiians on Broadway, so if a kid from Hilo sees me and thinks, maybe I can do that too, that’s incredibly meaningful. I carry with me where I’m from every time I step onstage, and I’m proud to represent my community.”
“I’m Native Hawaiian and incredibly proud of where I come from,” Makoa stressed about his heritage. “My parents, Dayton and Emerald, and my sisters, Peyton and Hayven, have been my biggest supporters from day one. People always say it takes a village, and it’s true – I carry my entire village with me everywhere I go.”
Watching ‘Mamma Mia’ with his grandma
Seeing the film version, which also starred Pierce Brosnan, made a lasting impression on the young boy in Hilo. “My first memory of ‘Mamma Mia!’ is watching the movie with my grandma – it was her favorite. We watched it all the time growing up, so getting to be part of ‘Mamma Mia!’ now feels incredibly full circle. That memory will always be really special to me.”
Watching a stage musical for the first time instantly made Makoa know what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. “The first musical I ever saw was ‘Wicked’ at the Blaisdell (Center Concert Hall, Honolulu, Hawaii). I remember walking out knowing exactly what I wanted to do.
“Growing up in Hilo, access to theater was limited, so I’m grateful for touring productions, shows like ‘Glee,’ and Kamehameha Schools for nurturing my love of performing. I’ve also always been inspired by Baba Tavares and the example he set for artists from Hawaii.”
Having his grandma, with whom he watched the “Mamma Mia!” movie for the first time as a kid, and grandpa, on his first preview night on Broadway, “was incredibly emotional.” Makoa said, “My grandma and grandpa flew all the way from Hawaii to see our first preview, and getting to share that lifelong dream with them made the moment even more surreal. It’s a memory I’ll treasure forever.”
“It has truly changed my life,” Makoa said about being part of the national tour which has been all over, with more stops in the U.S. and Canada scheduled. “Some of my biggest dreams have come true through this show – from performing on Broadway to traveling the country and building lifelong friendships.”
Serendipitously, the tour’s final stop next year will be at Blaisdell Center Concert Hall in Hawaii, where Makoa saw his first-ever stage musical. “Getting to bring it home to Hawaii feels like the perfect way to close this chapter,” he said.
Makoa in Hollywood
In the meantime, he’s enjoying performing in LA, where audiences have been embracing the show’s feel-good energy. “It’s been great. Being on the West Coast feels a little closer to home, and I’m excited to spend time with friends and family who can come through while we’re here. LA has been very good to us so far.”
Makoa and the cast, led by Jessica Crouch (Donna), Juliette, and these two women who steal the show, Jalynn and Carly Sakolove (Rosie), plus Victor Wallace (Sam,) guarantee an infectiously joyful night out. ABBA’s songs and the show itself, directed by Phyllida Lloyd, easily melt any audience member’s cynicism.
“I catch myself singing ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’ all the time – it never leaves my head,” Makoa said. “Onstage, ‘Does Your Mother Know’ is one of my favorites because I get to perform alongside the powerhouse that is Jalynn Steele, and the energy is electric. I also love ‘Voulez-Vous.’ You can feel the audience having just as much fun as we are.”
Being in Hollywood, Makoa talked about pursuing his career options. “Theater will always be home for me, but I’d love to continue exploring film and television. I love storytelling in every form, so I’m excited to see where those opportunities lead.”
Makoa reflects about his future. “Music has always been the part of musical theater I’ve connected with most, so I’m excited to explore that even more in the future. Whether it’s Broadway, film, television, or making my own music, I just want to keep telling stories that connect with people. Stay tuned.”
Tickets to “Mamma Mia!,” which runs until July 19, are available at this link.
Diner en Blanc
A previous Diner en Blanc at Music Center. Next site is a secret. CONTRIBUTED
On August 1, Diner en Blanc, billed as the world’s largest dinner party that has become a cherished tradition on six continents, returns to LA.
Following tradition, the site of the dinner and dancing under the stars will not be revealed until the last minute on the day itself. What’s also unique about the iconic outdoor dinner is that guests are required to wear chic white from head to toe and are required to bring all-white china, silverware, tablecloths, napkins, folding chairs and tables.
Diner en Blanc started simply in Paris in 1988 when Francois Pasquier invited friends to an outdoor dinner at the Bois de Boulogne and asked them to wear all white so they could easily find each other. Today, the event has expanded to 120 cities in 40 countries.
“It’s going to be fantastic,” gushed Monica Castañeda, who is hosting the coming LA edition with Josellyne Del Rosario, a Filipino American, and Elana Leaf. “We are so excited to revive this event in Los Angeles. It’s just going to be a wonderful, magical night. And with beautiful Los Angeles as the backdrop, I think it’s a perfect city to host.”
Past Diner en Blanc sites in LA include Rodeo Drive, the Music Center, and Santa Monica Pier. Monica shared, “I was not there, but if you look up the events in LA, it really showcased what Diner en Blanc is all about. They were all outdoors in iconic venues, and people gathered to share a beautiful meal during sunset in LA, which is among the most spectacular in the United States.
“The sunset is a key moment in the event. It separates the event from dinner time to dancing time. So that’s one of the signature moments, which is why the dinners are always set at sunset time.” Guests are expected to be around 1,200.
Clues
From its simple start in Paris, Diner en Blanc has become a global phenomenon. CONRIBUTED
When I asked Monica for clues about the next site (it will be disclosed two hours before the event starting time) in our phone interview, she replied, “This venue is definitely iconic, and it has a beautiful backdrop with a lot of history, and it is really in the heart of the city. I think the guests are going to enjoy everything about the venue once they discover it. We have partnered with the city to create this moment for its revival.”
Monica said that as hosts with Josellyn and Elana, “Our main responsibilities are to create a community event that showcases beautiful outdoor venues within the city. We work with local partners so that everything encompassing the event really feels communal. The event has been centered around friends and togetherness since 1988.
“The essence of the event remains the same. It’s a pop-up picnic where thousands gather in head-to-toe white, and we share a gourmet meal in an iconic public place. And then we dance. We completely clean up the footprint, and everyone goes home.”
All-white theme
Dîner en Blanc New York 2016 | CONTRIBUTED
The all-white theme has inspired weddings, yes, weddings at the Diner en Blanc itself.
“In the edition in New York, people have gotten married at Diner en Blanc,” said Monica, who emphasized that guests can turn the chic picnic revelry to suit their preference. “It could be romantic. Or you could just choose a package with your friends. It’s just really anything you want the experience to be. It’s gourmet, it’s fun, it’s exciting.
“There definitely have been wedding proposals. Usually, the future groom will email us, and then we create those special moments for them.”
Guests can also customize their dinner settings. Monica shared, “You can either bring your own table and chair, or you can rent them from us. So it really depends on the experience that you want to have.’’
Guests are allowed to bring their own décor elements to accent their tables. Photos of past Diner en Blanc stagings show elaborate tablescapes, from towering candelabras and aviaries with white doves to beautiful floral centerpieces.
“Yes, guests bring everything from candelabras to beautiful flower displays,” Monica confirmed. “You have to bring your decor. You make it your style. But we can do the heavy lifting for you as well.”
Monica said, “At our store (on the site), you can definitely buy flowers, masks, and different elements so that you can decorate your table. The tablescape is part of the event. Everybody takes it very seriously.”
Everything has to be white, including the outfits, which range from simple white chic to extravagant white ensembles, complete with hats, masks, and Marie Antoinette wigs. Elegance and originality are encouraged.
The all-white rule is strictly enforced. “Guests will be denied entry,” Monica stressed about the color requirement. “It is in our rules and regulations. And we also explain that through the process of getting their ticket.”
What to expect this year
Guests have a choice of bringing their own dinner or buying a picnic fare by a multiple James Beard Award-winning chef. Monica revealed, “We got Todd English to curate the gourmet picnic baskets for the event. And we partnered with Patina Restaurants, which is also out of Los Angeles. They are going to take Chef Todd English’s vision and will bring it to life.”
“He’s doing a beautiful California fusion basket fused with French cuisine. It features fresh, awesome California ingredients. We also have an Asian dim sum basket. And we have a vegetarian option.”
Monica promised other come-ons: “There’s going to be live music, dancing, beautiful experiences, and photo opportunity moments. The guests are just going to have to find out.”
Dinner begins with the traditional waving of white napkins. Monica, who is in her third year with Diner en Blanc, explained, “That started in Paris. It was their signature dinner moment. They raised their white napkins in the air. They twirled it. And that is everybody’s sign to start and enjoy your meal.”
In Monica’s words, after the dinner, “The sparkler moment sparks the dancing.”
Different experience every year
On why she thinks Diner en Blanc has become a global phenomenon, Monica answered, “I think the success is in the community that it builds. You know that you’re going to the special event once a year. It remains fresh because it’s in a different location every year.
“So it’s a different experience. You’re not going to the same repeat event. There’s also a different theme every year. So you can make it yours year after year.” This year’s theme is “Une Soirée Parisienne – La Belle Époque.”
Monica, who also hosts Diner en Blanc in Miami, shared what she is personally looking forward to on August 1: “To be able to create this moment and really showcase the community and the city. That is really important. And how special LA is. There’s so much culture in Los Angeles and so much life, and it’s just about bringing it back to its beauty.
“The guests should be ready for a magical night in the beautiful Los Angeles landscape. And they should join us to restart this tradition.”
For Diner en Blanc in Los Angeles, ticket information and other details are available on their website.
Ruben V. Nepales is an LA-based journalist whose honors include nine first prizes from the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards and the Los Angeles Press Club’s Southern California Journalism Awards. He authored “Through a Writer’s Lens,” which won first prize in nonfiction at the 2020-2021 National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards. In 2004, he became the first Filipino voter of the Golden Globe Awards, He is a member of the Golden Globe Foundation, one of Hollywood’s biggest philanthropic organizations.
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