Lisa Matsumoto was a local author and playwright.

She entertained theater audiences with funny, "local" characters who spoke pidgin english.

"That's what we always called Lisa's world, Lisa's world, Lisa's characters that she created," said Devon Nekoba, who worked in many of Matsumoto's plays.

Lisa's world was bright, colorful, and full of good times.

"Probably the laughing together is probably because she always laughs. And it's a laugh that starts from deep within and just overflows, very contagious," said Roslyn Catracchia, a long-time friend and collaborator on many projects.

Roslyn wrote many of the songs that appeared in Matsumoto's plays.

The two first met more than two decades ago at the University of Hawaii.

Matsumoto was a creative force, who amazed even cast members.

"To be on stage and to be around somebody who is that brilliant about putting stuff like that together, but at the same time be so down to earth, and so easy to talk too is really a gift for us," said Nekoba.

Her work was educational at times, like shows at the zoo.

And for the past four years she thrilled crowds at Ala Moana center stage with "Christmas Gift of Aloha".

She was also an award winning children's book author, with her cousin Michael Furuya illustrating.

Her death leaves friends stunned this creative force has been silenced.

"Books to do with her cousin Michael Furuya, they're gorgeous books. And all these projects that will never happen because she is not going to be here," said Catracchia.

"We lose her today in a physical form. But til another day, we'll see you again," Nekoba said.

"Christmas Gift of Aloha" performs every night except monday at Ala Moana Center stage. It was cancelled on Friday night in the wake of the Matsumoto tragedy.