Dillingham Hall was built as an assembly hall to replace Pauahi Hall’s inadequate auditorium. It was designed by Bertram G. Goodhue. Initial funding was received from Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Dillingham in 1916 but WWI delayed construction. The building would not be dedicated until April 26, 1929. It is named in honor of Benjamin F. Dillingham.

Dillingham Hall houses a 640-seat auditorium in which theater production, dance and music programs, and school assemblies are held for all grade levels.

The building was renovated in 1994. Air conditioning is now available!

one big memory: variety show

Since 1952, the senior class has taken charge of staging the annual musical production that occurs during Carnival. The show typically incorporates elements of comedy, music, theater and dance. While today’s show features more than 350 seniors, casting was more selective for Punahou74.

The 1974 show, “The Tip of My Tongue or I’m only in it for the Tee-Shirt,” was described as a “melodrama written and produced by the creative class of 1974.” Tickets were priced for $1.50-$2.50 each and shows ran at 2:30, 6:00 and 8:30 on both carnival days.

Boasting a cast of thousands and a plot which is rumored to incorporate monsters, Mae Wests, Groucho Marxs and vegetables, this year’s production should provide a tasty treat for all those who savor a real variety show. Much of the credit for combining these seemingly incompatible ingredients goes to assistant director Cynthia Nakamura and student producer, Bryann Bromley, both very competent “cooks”. Garnished with the delectable musical contributions of the stage band and several student arrangements, The Tip of My Tongue or I’m only in it for the Tee-Shirt is something that you don’t want to miss! It has finesse.

— Ellen Sofio ( “Variety Show Boasts Cast of Thousands.” Ka Punahou. 8 Feb. 1974: 1.)

Here’s how Ka Punahou (15 Feb. 1974: 1) reviewed the show when all was said and done:

Well, Whip Me … If the Tee-Shirt Fits, Wear It

Talent, and lots of it, best describes this year’s Variety Show presented by the Punahou Class of 1974. Despite the traditional short run, The Tip of My Tongue or I’m Only in it for the T-Shirt played to packed houses of Carnival-goers last Fri day and Saturday.

The Show opened with “The Alfred Hitchcock Theme Song” attempting to set the mood of the program. Janitor Bob Sandla appeared on stage and promised that weird things were to be witness[ed]. “Magic to Do” and “Hands and Feet” transformed old Dillingham Hall into a dark and spooky place, much to the delight of the audience.

The principle [sic] characters are introduced to the audience in a “Stop-Start” scene. The family, consisting of Father (Jeff Sia), Mother (Randi Pittman), daughters Ethel (Lisa Lai) and Moon Unit (Lorraine Akiba), tells us that they need a hostage. Agnes (Betsy Abts) complains to her sidekick Doris (Mary Madinger) that her magic is not working properly.

Frankenstein (Randy Tucker) and Dweezel (Regina Yarchever) both need a hat that will make them sing well. Hearing their needs, the Madhatter (Jim Simpson) runs to their rescue. However, he decides to give Dweezle the magical hat instead of giving it to Frankenstein. After Dweezle tries it out, the Madhatter reclaims it and walks away. Finally Ralph (David Parrish), who is a mainiac, tells us why he hates women, thus setting up the fourth of five plots.

The plot, or plots, really were incidental to the entire show. The show had superb dancing, fine music, fantastic make-up and costuming, clever sets, and a special humor that is unique to the Class of ’74.

A particular highlight of the show was the occasional appearance of Pierre the Tongue played by Mark Smith. He scooted around the stage dressed as the slimy friend of Ralph the maniac. Also making a number of appearances was Elmer B. Eagle (Albert Whip Me Rosen), Ralph’s brother. It was Elmer’s job to get the story about the hidden treasure, which served as the basis of the fifth plot

The student written and produced show now goes into the annals of Punahou history. It certainly won’t be forgotten by those who saw it.
But there really must be something worse than going to the University of Hawaii.

But there really must be something worse than going to the University of Hawaii.

other memories

Punahou74 gift to dillingham hall

In addition to the clock on Cooke Hall, Punahou74’s 20th reunion gift also made its mark at Dillingham Hall. Here’s how the class was recognized in the Punahou Bulletin (Summer 1996):

Evidence of gifts from the Class of 1974 20th Reunion can be seen throughout the campus and we wanted to take a moment to say thank you again and tell you the many directions of your gifts totaling over $20,000–one of the largest on record.

First, the campus clock on Cooke Hall has been installed and helps Academy students (and faculty) get to class on time. Second, the koa lectern with a beautiful Punahou seal in Dillingham Hall is credited to your class. Third, we commissioned new benches for the lanai of Dillingham Hall that have been a tremendous improvement. And last, your gifts partially funded the new signs in the Sullivan Building where campus visitors can more easily find Admissions, Financial Aid, Cashier, Human Resources, the Board Room, PFA, the President and more. The flexibility and generosity of your gift has improved the campus in many and varied ways and we are very grateful for your support.