Just as music and dances change and grow, so do the performers that once performed them all. Nanakuli High and Intermediate School Performing Arts Center (NPAC) celebrated their 35th anniversary this year, showcasing amazing hits from the past, present and songs that will carry them forward.
“It was amazing to think that 35 years have gone by and that the program has grown from six students to what it is today. Who would’ve thought that 35 years ago we would have all these experiences? That we would be able to go to Europe, perform in Disneyland, do Broadway style workshops in New York. It’s a credit to all the students who were and are a part of it, the families and staff members who have supported NPAC, it would not have been possible without them,” said NPAC Founder and Co-Director Robin Kitsu.
Every Tuesday to Friday along with some Saturdays, 40 students would come to practice along with 25 NPAC alumni all working toward the production of NPAC Eras: 35 performed at the Michael D. Nakasone Performing Arts Center.
“To come in here and see the high schoolers and the mix with the elementary kids, it’s just a fun energy and its light,” NPAC alumnus Christian Kaeo who also choreographed new and old songs for the production.
NPAC Eras: 35 is a musical revue style show that features a variety of songs in a recital style format. All songs are chosen by directors Chloe and Robin Kitsu. They not only focus on one thing but they look at the show as a whole and they had a clear set idea that they wanted to feature both old songs from the past and current songs both being from different genres.
“We wanted to choose songs that held meaning to NPAC’s history. The songs that were featured not only brought back memories for us as directors, but for alumni to reminisce about, and for our current students to create memories of their own,” said Chloe Kitsu.
Current NPAC students also were able to teach the alumni much of the choreography.
“It was pretty neat to see our current students, from elementary to high school, teaching the adults the choreography,” said Chloe Kitsu. “NPAC instills that everyone can be a leader, no matter the age. We try to teach skills that students can carry with them into the workforce such as: time management, teaching strategies, and conscientiousness.”
Most alumni started coming out of their shells after joining NPAC, gaining self confidence opening up opportunities for them.
“I feel like that definitely carried on through my career and my profession just making me an outgoing person and allowed me to do a lot of the things that I do now and network and meet people,” said Kaeo.
For the current generation of NPAC students, the chance to perform with people who paved the way for the program was a once in a lifetime experience.
“It was an honor. I never thought that I would get the opportunity to be able to perform with them on stage. They’re such a model of how students should be and act in NPAC. I had so much fun with them and it was truly a blessing to be able to do that,” said Junior and three-year NPAC veteran Promise Jellings-Faletogo.
Chloe Kitsu added, “What really made me emotional was seeing how the alumni and students bonded over NPAC over the course of three months. The alumni became mentors for the current students and not only gave them insight on performing, but on what life skills they’ve learned through NPAC as well.”
Although the faces and voices may change throughout the years in NPAC’s shows, the heart of the program remains strong. “Be Good, Be Great, Be Proud…Be NPAC!”
