SHOW BIZ
Local performer to tour with 'Dreamgirls'
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
MOVEMENTS: Ginai Johnston, one of the lead voices in Hula Joe and the Hutjumpers, is off to Los Angeles, New York and then Atlanta, to pursue her theatrical dream. She'll be one of the "Dreamgirls," Michelle, in a touring concert version of "Dreamgirls," which opens July 19 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. "I'm on a month's leave from Hula Joe, but I'll be be back (in August) because the tour is sort of broken up," she said. Future destinations include London and Broadway. She's still Ginai in her theatrical bookings, but should you seek her out, she'll be G. Curti (husband is big-wave surfer Ted Curti III) on hotel rosters. ...
Members of Maui Hula Hui, "I Kona Mau Lima" directed by Ualani Smith, will take part in Elvis Week, Aug. 10-17 in Memphis, Tenn. As many as 100,000 people from all over the world are expected to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death. Presley, of course, has surged back onto the charts, reaching a new generation of fans, thanks largely to the remix of his "A Little Less Conversation" and the best-selling soundtrack of Disney's "Lilo & Stitch," which features a cluster of his goldies. The Maui group will perform at several venues in Memphis, including the Sun Records studio where the King first recorded. The group is raising money for the trip; to help, call (808) 249-2660 ...
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PERSONALITIES: Yasmeen Sulieman, a past "Brown Bags to Stardom" winner, recently performed on two syndicated TV programs, "Ananda Lewis Show" and "Soul Train." She is associated with Magic Johnson's record label and continues to pursue a recording career. Her brother, Sterling Sulieman, also a "Bags" winner, will join her shortly in Westwood to attend UCLA. ...
Tony Conjugacion's Halau Na Wainohia performs from 6 to 8 p.m. July 27 poolside at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Another performance there will be Aug. 10. ...
After he wrapped filming of his "Tears of the Sun" movie, actor Bruce Willis stopped by Planet Hollywood and thanked the restaurant for (unofficially) catering cast and home parties.
Another Aloha Friday luncheon show is set for the Royal Hawaiian's Monarch Room, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Friday. Performers include Herb Ohta Jr., Keoki Kahumoku, Jeffrey Apaka, Melveen Leed, Marlene Sai and Iva Kinimaka. Brickwood Galuteria's group also entertains, and co-hosts with KINE-FM partner Frank B. Shaner. ...
The Rock isn't the only show biz figure in the Maivia/Maiava 'ohana. A cousin, Lesa Maiava (her family uses this spelling) has been a cast member for four years and line captain for the 12-men "Magic of Polynesia" show, starring John Hirokawa, at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. When The Rock was here for his WWE match last June 15, he hosted three tables of fellow wrestlers, including Chris Jericho, Reverend D-Von, Big Valbowski and Christian, to see cousin Lesa and the show. ...
On another night, a wrestler of the sumo variety, Musashimaru, checked out the show, too. ...
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ITEMIZATIONS: When Ron and Moe Bright joined their daughter-in-law and son Lynell and Clarke Bright at the Disney "Lilo & Stitch" Hollywood premiere last month (Lynell is director of the Kamehameha Elementary School Choir, which performs two songs in Disney's hot summer hit), the Brights also made time to visit Castle High School alum Jewl Anguay, still performing the role of the adult Nala in "The Lion King," at the Pantages Theatre. This month, Jewl's parents, Gary and Stephanie Auguay, will catch a performance, too. ...
Musician Les Benedict and his wife, Haidee, are celebrating their 30th anniversary here.
And that's Show Biz. ...
