Molokai Hits Mainland

Local Boy’s Musical Play a Hit in Minnesota

The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, a veritable theater headquarters for the twin city area, is once again home to Molokai’s own Marcus Quiniones and his original production Circle Around the Island. The hour-long play was first written and performed by Quinones in Minnesota in 1999, and will be re-opening up on March 3 at the Guthrie.

Quiniones, who grew up in Puko`o, was inspired to write the play when in College in Minnesora in the late 90’s. While there, many of his friends would ask him to give ukulele and hula performances on campus, something he was good at but never took seriously until after graduation. The play deals with themes of extraordinary communion of mystical companions, family guardians, and Hawaiian music and movement inspired by the hula. The initial success of the play propelled Quiniones into Ululena, a dance/expression troupe on Maui, before he headed to London, England, to study at the School Of Performing Arts.

Marcus’ mother, Dora, still lives on Molokai and says she’s extremely proud of Marcus, and loves providing emotional support and reminders of Molokai any way she can. This year, she is sending leis from Moana’s Hula Halau to Marcus for the show, and has hosted the other actors from the play on Molokai, including Sandy Augustine, who plays her (Dora) in Circle Around The Island.