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The concept for Comedy Polynesia had been brewing in Irvine’s mind for several years when he shared the vision with Avea. The two island comedy veterans have been working together since the early 90’s when Avea began moonlighting at the Saxes’ Honolulu Comedy Club where Irvine was a fixture. “I spoke with the Chief about producing a show that captures the visitor experience to the islands – our way – through the eyes of comedy as well as culture.”
The concept finally gelled last summer when the Saxes were in the islands on vacation, staying with the Irvine’s and seeing Avea at his “Fia Fia!” luau at the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club. The Chief, who is better known as the “Coconut Man” from his two decades at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Samoan Village, powwowed with Irvine, Shipp and the Saxes to discuss how to turn Irvine’s vision into reality.
“For years I’ve wanted to go beyond the traditional luau experience,” explains Avea, a Samoan High Chief. “There’s so much humor in Polynesia and up till now I’ve had to keep most of it under the surface, bottled up. Now Bo and I finally have a perfect outlet. Comedy Polynesia has the potential to the best show ever presented in Hawaii.”
“Comedy material that explores the lighter side of Polynesia has been running through our heads for years,” adds Irvine. “Besides, most mainland visitors these days are repeat which means they’ve already had their luau experience and are now looking for something different, yet something that’s still connected to Polynesia.”
“And affordable,” says Eddie Sax, who now himself plays the role of repeat visitor to the islands. “Beyond the luaus and other Polynesian shows, which are all wonderful, the pickin’s for English speaking visitors are slim, not to mention the fact that there hasn’t been comedy at all for years in Waikiki. This is a major show that’s for visitors and locals alike, and at a very low price, an affordable price.”
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