Affectionately known as “Mr. B.,” Ronald E. Bright has inspired thousands of people around the world both young and old. His contagious energy and passion for the arts continually encouraged students to reach beyond their capabilities. Always seen with a smile on his face and a hop in his step, Ron has directed over 100 musicals and plays in Hawaii since the 1960s.
As an English and Drama teacher for over 40 years, (he retired in 1993) he always encouraged his students to be foremost responsible, respectful and productive citizens; acting was secondary.
Always a dedicated family man first, Ron and his wife of 55 years, Moira, are proud parents of 3 children, Clarke, (Royal Hawaiian Bandmaster, married to Lynell, music teacher at Kamehameha Elementary,) Jodi (teacher at Ft. Shafter, married to Lee, an electrician, and Mike (math teacher at Kamehameha, married to Jade, elementary teacher at `Āhuimanu) and grandparents of 7 precious grandchildren: Chris, Timothy, Lauren, Caity, Drew, Colton and Mia, as well as an assortment of calabash grandkids who claim “Poppo” and “GrandMo” as their own.
In 1992, in commemoration of Mr. Bright’s many years of educational excellence at Castle High School, the theatre there was renamed the Ronald E. Bright Performing Arts Center. Mr. B continued to direct shows at the Bright Performing Arts Center until 2008 before moving to the Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College.
*photos courtesy of Chris Gritti, Jade Bright, Len Villanueva