Noodle Shop routines to spill over into DeLima's new Waikiki gigs

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

•	Frank DeLima Reopening at the Palace, 'Ohana Reef Towers Hotel Valentine's Day show 8:30 p.m. Feb. 14 $32.50, includes 7 p.m. prime-rib buffet, two drinks Noodle Shop Days show 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, starting Feb. 15 $19.50, includes two drinks Information: 923-SHOW or 922-6408

It is Waikiki's first major reopening of a showroom since Sept. 11, a possible hint that the pulse of Hawai'i's nightlife scene is on the upbeat.

"The fun is back in Waikiki and we'll bring back those good ol' days of The Noodle Shop," said Frances Kirk, executive producer of Outrigger Entertainment. The Noodle Shop, once located in the Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel, was the springboard for DeLima's comedy and parody career.

DeLima has been without a regular showcase since he closed at the Captain's Table when the Hawaiian Waikiki Beach Hotel was sold.

With The Noodle Shop format, DeLima said he's looking to a more informal show, bringing back a number of his early costumed characters.

"Imelda Marcos definitely will make a comeback," said DeLima. "I still have all eight of her dresses and the wig. And Tita Turner."

... Which means a diet is in his immediate future. "I hope the dresses fit," he said.

He's excited, but cautious, about returning to the limelight because of the scarcity of visitors that support showroom ventures. But he's eager to dust off some of his popular routines, such as his Radio KOHO sketch.

"We're hoping for a turnaround," said Kirk of the move to reopen the Palace. "I think our visitors may like a little local color and Frank certainly can provide that. It's not going to be a slick production, more like a backyard fun thing that only Frank can do. Frank is remembered for all that wild and wacky stuff; we're providing him the venue again, to help get that genie out of the bottle."

Debi Spellman will design a set that will recreate The Noodle Shop atmosphere.

The Valentine's special will be an evening event and serve as a prelude to the weekend shows. The Palace, formerly called the Polynesian Palace, was the previous performing space for the "YES! Encore Hawai'i" production.

DeLima, appearing with his back-up duo, Na Kolohe, comprised of David Kauahikaua and Robert Nishida, previously co-starred with Glenn Medeiros in the same space prior to the "YES!" venture.