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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, April 19, 2002

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

Comedian Mel Cabang has been undergoing a makeover. And it's all for the better.

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."