Ka Leo O Hawaii

Issue date: 12/3/07 Section: Mixed Plate

Media Credit: Courtesy of Brad Goda Photography The singing group The Plaids is made up of four characters: (right to left) high school students Sean Jones and Aaron Komo, UH Mānoa student Mike Dupre and Andrew Sakaguchi.

Mānoa Valley Theatre, 988-6131
Friday, Dec. 7, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 8, 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m.
Tickets: general - $35; seniors/military - $30; 25 and under - $20
Tickets include one free drink

In his first audition, Mike Dupre was so nervous that his singing left the director less than impressed.

"The director didn't think my singing voice was strong," the University of Hawai‘i junior said. "He didn't like my interpretation of it. ... I don't know ... maybe I was horribly off."

However, after anxiously speaking a mile a minute, the director handed Dupre a role he knew Dupre could play: an auctioneer.

Flash forward to present day and Dupre has come a long way from what he calls an "intensely insecure" moment. He is now one of the stars of the musical comedy "Plaid Tidings," which is currently running at M‘noa Valley Theatre.

The play centers on a deceased quartet, which, for reasons unknown, is brought back from outer space to perform on a televised Christmas special for one night only. Featuring songs like "Let It Snow," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" and "Jingle Bells," audience members are sure to get an early start on the holidays.

Dupre's character, the adorable but shy crooner Jinx, contrasts with his ambition and confidence in real life. Jinx can barely look the audience in the eye and often freezes onstage. Yet, Dupre enjoys the challenge of playing a character that he has nothing in common with.

"He (Jinx) is completely different from me, scared of people. But when he starts singing, he's an amazing singer."

Dupre boasts how he taught himself to play an accordion for the show in a mere two weeks.

"I've never played it before, but I'm absolutely brilliant," he said.

During his early high school years in Maine, Dupre found sports and his computer much more interesting than choir or theater. However, one day he noticed that all the "cute girls" were in theater and decided to audition for plays in order to meet them.

Though he mischievously admits he is still there for the pretty girls, it is clear that Dupre has found himself immersed in something that he was born to do.

Originally, he came to UH with the intention of studying in the music education program. However, after being cast in last year's musical satire "Urinetown," Dupre found that he liked performing more than teaching. Now a musical theater major, Dupre balances a hectic schedule that's filled with classes, rehearsal and studying.

While Dupre wouldn't mind a career on Broadway, he would be happy with an ensemble role in a theater company after he graduates. And although it is obvious he is a triple threat (he dances and acts in "Plaid Tidings"), he is most interested in singing.

"Acting I'm OK at. Dancing I'm OK at. But singing? I'm good at it."

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