John Signor Sets the Stage for Cirque du Soleil: ‘Auana With a Hawaiian Nose Flute

Photo: Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil: ‘Auana

If you’ve seen ‘Auana, Cirque du Soleil’s new Waikīkī production, you know it’s superlative. World-class acrobatics, circus antics, wondrous artistry: For 80 minutes, the show dazzles.

SEE ALSO: Cirque du Soleil: ‘Auana Is a Thrilling, World-Class Spectacle

But in the quiet before it starts, as the audience fills the small theater, a lone guitarist plucks the notes of “He Mele Lāhui Hawai‘i”—Queen Lili‘uokalani’s anthem for her kingdom—then picks up a Hawaiian nose flute. “People may not be aware of what they’re listening to, but it’s a way of acknowledging and honoring where we are,” says musician John Signor, who’s also the show’s musical director. “It allows me an intimate moment with the audience to welcome them into our space with loving intention.”

Born and raised in ‘Ewa Beach, Signor at 65 is the senior among the local cast, which includes hula dancers, singers and other musicians. It’s not his first time in the role—he was also musical director for the visitor show Waikīkī Nei and before that, ‘Ulalena in Lahaina, Maui. A music professor on leave from Leeward Community College, he leads ‘Auana’s musical energy. It’s an all-in role because the music, by turns energizing and lyrical, is an enveloping presence that helps drive the dazzling totality. In the lineup with the band, Signor twists and bobs on his acoustic guitar. You’d never guess his favorite instrument is the nose flute.

“It’s as if I’m in the backyard and I’m just playing to relax,” says Signor about the moments before the show. Once it revs up to high energy, “It’s so much fun, and the music and lyrics are amazing. It just clicks.”