LIVE PRODUCTION, DEFINING COURAGE, COMES TO HONOLULU

Pacific Historic Parks sponsors immersive storytelling of Nisei soldier legacy at McKinley High School, Nov. 8–9

HONOLULU (October 22, 2025) – Pacific Historic Parks is proud to sponsor Defining Courage, a nationally acclaimed live performance that brings to life the untold stories of the Nisei soldiers of World War II. The multimedia stage show will be presented at the McKinley High School auditorium on Saturday, November 8 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 9 at 2 p.m.

Blending documentary film, immersive storytelling, and live performance, Defining Courage shares the experiences of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service, and other decorated Japanese American units who fought for freedom abroad even as their families endured discrimination and the restrictions of martial law at home. Through music, visuals, and narrative, the production invites audiences to reflect on courage, resilience, and the meaning of patriotism.

Narrated by Emmy Award–winning journalist David Ono, the show incorporates stunning cinematography, transporting audiences to WWII battlefields. It also features a rich musical component, with piano, cello, violin, ukulele, guitar, drums, and trumpet performed alongside the RAISE choir, curated by Music Director Chris Wade. Past performances have included world-class musicians such as Grammy Award winner Daniel Ho, Harold Payne, and the Trio Barclay, with original compositions by Sheridan Seyfried.

McKinley High School serves as a fitting backdrop for the production, with many alumni having served during World War II. The 90-minute show combines history, performance, and community reflection into a moving experience.

“Defining Courage powerfully honors the extraordinary bravery and sacrifices of Japanese American soldiers while reminding us of the importance of protecting freedom and justice for all,” said Aileen Utterdyke, President and CEO of Pacific Historic Parks. “As a nonprofit dedicated to remembrance and education, we are proud to help bring this production to Hawaii and encourage our community and visitors to experience it.”

Tickets are $30 and available now at DefiningCourageShow.com.

About Pacific Historic Parks

Pacific Historic Parks is a non-profit cooperative association of the National Park Service (NPS) and has been raising funds and providing support to NPS mission programs at Pearl Harbor since 1979, when it was known as the Arizona Memorial Museum Association. PHP also supports NPS mission programs at Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai, War in the Pacific National Historical Park on Guam, American Memorial Park in Saipan and Honouliuli National Historic Site on Oahu. Additionally, PHP partners with the state of Hawaii to support Diamond Head State Monument. PHP’s mission is to Remember, Honor and Understand historically relevant sites throughout the Pacific. For more information, visit www.pacifichistoricparks.org