Posted on: Wednesday, December 18, 2002

DVD REVIEW
'Lolo' DVD falls short of potential

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

In concept, "Lolo No Ka 'Oi" (Hawai'i Stars Inc.) was a grand idea: amass popular island stand-up comedians for an evening of mirth and laughter.

In reality, this recent DVD release exhibits both the power and shortcomings of the featured acts. You know the show — the one that became a tribute to the late James Grant Benton of Booga Booga fame.

Although the presence of Benton's buddy Ed Ka'ahea in this show is touching because of his unintended role as the last surviving Booga Booga chap, his material isn't half as good as his reputation with the ground-breaking local comedy ensemble.

The show, taped live at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel's Hawaii Ballroom, also assembled host Lana'i, plus stand-ups Augie T., Mel Cabang and Da Braddahs (Tony Silva and James Roche), and played well enough, with a few bumps, in context of the tribute. As a retrospective DVD, the lean material becomes particularly evident.

Augie comes off best: funny, irreverent, natural, spontaneous. His material from mundane matters (mannequins, changing dance styles, ethnicities, bathroom urges) is characterized by an earnest and honest attitude, like he has truly lived the outrageous humor he delivers. No wonder he won a people's choice award in conjunction with this show.

His morning-drive radio buddy works in a few gags in his role as emcee, and locals will find Lana'i's Filipino digs hilarious without being offensive.

Da Braddahs are funny on their own turf, on Oceanic 16; before a homogenous but foreign cabaret crowd, it's somewhat squeamish to watch Silva and Roche struggle through pidgin-speaking roles of dubious worth. Roche's Don Ho take is pretty clever; admittedly, though, as the next-generation lolo — the funny, goofy, ditzels of comedy — they still have a way to go.

Cabang, who can be funny when he wants to, has been "clean" for several years — erasing expletives. That's not the problem. He is totally at a loss in an in-the-round concert.

His prison background evokes some chuckles, but his repeated intent to play the guitar wears thin. His placement on the bill — last, like a headliner — puts an unfortunate burden on him.

A closing skit, by all participants, asks audience members to suggest themes for a sketch, but alas, the resulting comedy does not measure up to expectations.

In the end, the opportunity to see Benton, in taped material, is reason enough to savor this DVD.

He remains one of the morsels of madness who will be hard to replace, a true genius in tapping into the funny bone.