Posted on: Thursday, October 10, 2002
SHOW BIZ
After wahine rock, Conjugacion plans sequel
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
DATEBOOK: Nothing like planning ahead. Based on his triumphant gathering of women of song and women of hula Friday night at the Hawai'i Theatre, Tony Conjugacion, the singer-chanter-dancer-impresario, already is looking to Oct. 3, 2003, when his Halau Na Wainohia presents "Na Kane O Ka Mele, Na Kane O Ka Hula" at the same venue. No, he hasn't yet configured the show with gents in the community.
The wahine version, which assembled singers Teresa Bright, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Iwalani Kahalewai, Karen Keawehawai'i, Melveen Leed and Marlene Sai (Auntie Genoa Keawe was ill and did not appear) and such hula legends as Auntie Leilani Alama, Gaye Beamer, Aloha Dalire, Leina'ala Kalama Heine, Healani Youn and Noenoelani Zuttermeister, was a validation of all that's wonderful about classic songbirds and hula icons. From the "big hair" of Bright to the flower-laden hair (and girdle admission) of Gilliom, from the next-generation talent (Kaula Naluai, Leed's daughter) to the regal staying power of a luminous old-timer (Kahalewai), the show was good fun with grand artistry. It also featured the formidable durability of keyboarder Leila Kiaha and the Pua Melia Trio (Lavey Deltoto, Pahukoa Morse, Mamo Wassman), an all-woman backup combo. Conjugacion, an artist with ambition and vision, was the off-stage emcee-host. If the show had any fault, it was the awkward "literary" script penned by Conjugacion that caused him to stumble a couple of times. Mo' bettah he talk story in a conversational manner. ...
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NIGHT MUSIC: You missed a goodie if you didn't take in "Hello Broadway," the Welly Yang revue Saturday at Blaisdell Concert Hall that showcased Deedee Lynn Magno, Cliffton Hall, Jade Stice, and, briefly, laryngitis-plagued Nataysha Echevarria, the local lass who won the contest to appear in the show. Each one brought a voice and presence that lit up the stage; and that Hall-Magno kiss that sealed "Last Night of the World" was genuine and natural (they'll wed in April).
Yang, founder of Second Generation, is eager to develop shows his fellow Asian Americans can participate in, and "Hello" was a dandy introduction to this market. A show without costumes and props works when the music is carefully selected and performed by pros; and yes, the local talent stacks up with the best around. Conductor Jason Robert Brown, who sings and composes (he won a Tony for his score to "Parade"), got a quick sample of the aloha spirit in action. ...
A cast party was held at Sergio's, hosted by Wini Vandeman and g.m. Risa Apeles, and among those attending was Mark Brandon of Binder Casting, here for "The Lion King" auditions this week. Proudest duo at the celebration: Mac and Mieko Hall, parents of Cliffton, who have already gained a "daughter" in Deedee. ...
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SIGHT 'EMS: The Rock, his double and friends and crew from the "Helldorado" film dined at La Mariana Sailing Club Saturday night, savoring pupu, drinks and dinner from 9 to midnight. A crew member said Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, wanted to eat at a "real tiki restaurant," according to Mike Formby, La Mariana g.m. ...
Extreme-sports types had an extremely good time at Manana Garage on Maui the other night. They had participated in Saturday's Red Bull King of the Air kiteboarding championships, then opted for extremely good food and fun, according to Alan Ireland, restaurant partner. Mark Shinn of England won the kiteboarding event, held at Ho'okipa Beach, and Haiku's Marcus Austin was second ...
Singer Nancy Sinatra and her band and old friend Eddie Sherman dined at Auntie Pasto's Kapahulu before her show at Gussie L'Amour's. ...
And that's Show Biz ...
