Mel Cabang all smiles about his comeback

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

Comedian Mel Cabang will offer up some laughs at a Secretary's Day lunch on Wednesday. Cabang finds himself in demand again after a gig with magician David Copperfield last year. Secretary's Day Luncheon shows on Wednesday The Makaha Sons, Mel Cabang, Rodney Villanueva 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Pacific Ballroom, Renaissance Ilikai Hotel $30 944-6372 Frank DeLima 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Hibiscus Ballroom, Ala Moana Hotel $29 955-4811 Kapena 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Banyan Veranda, Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel $25 922-3111

Nope, not in looks. But in attitude, in appeal, in aspirations.

Cabang, who is guest starring with The Makaha Sons in a Secretary's Day luncheon show Wednesday (one of several activities for secretaries; see box), finds himself in demand again, ever since magician David Copperfield, a fan from way back, hired Cabang to do a "command performance" of sorts last year. That led to a string of gigs, including a concert with the Local Divas, and a weekend gig at the Emporium Lounge.

Modification has been wonderful.

Hear him out:

• On his comeback: "I've been all over the place, doing a lot of stuff. People like me again."
• On a planned TV series: "I'm working on a project called 'Dude and Dawg,' which I hope to launch shortly on KIKU-TV. Sometimes I'm the dude; sometimes I'm the dawg. We're taping now. It's almost like a Tiny Tadani show. Stuff happens."
• On his new material: "I've been working on PG stuff. Like this gag about a blonde secretary."
• On his distant past: "I can't do dirty, except in nightclubs. But I don't go deep (into the pit) anymore."
• On turning 60: "It's hard to get up in the morning."
• On his physique: "People look at me and they start laughing. I must look real odd."
• On gambling, which got him into hot water: "I cannot go to Vegas anymore. Ever. I had to turn down four (performing) jobs."
• On getting out of jail: "I toe the line. Cops no bother me now. I did my time, my community service. My p.o. (parole officer) lets me travel, as long as it's not Vegas, and I'm going to Seattle to do a show."