SHOW BIZ

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

STAGE BITS: Punahou Theatre's "Les Miserables," which closed over the weekend at Dillingham Hall, was a wonder to hear and see — the first nonprofessional production of the Tony Award winner. For so young a cast to render so ambitious a show, orchids go to everyone on and off stage. Clearly, there's beaucoup talent on campus, and director Paul D. Palmore assembled the best. Adam Dengler was poignant as Jean Valjean; Justin Lo, powerful as Javert; Nicholai Joaquin, sweetly romantic (with the show's best voice) as Marius; Jeremy Hall, soul-stirring as Enjolras; Anton Glamb and Julia Ogilvie, nimble and right-on-the-money as Thernardier and Madame Thernardier; Meilan Akaka, wistful as Eponine; Carolyn Sted, pensive as Cosette; and Jamie Cook, brooding as Fantine.

"Les Miz" was accomplished, endearing and satisfying, worthy of the sell-out crowds and standing ovations it earned in its all-too-brief run. Joaquin and Ogilvie, in particular, would seem to have theatrical potential, if they so choose. And in this time of global turmoil, the show's themes of war, honor, loss and pain remain powerful and universal. ...

ITEMIZATIONS: There will be Hawaiiana aplenty when Saint Louis School presents its 'Ohana Lu'au show May 3 on campus. Emcees will be Sweetie Pacarro (KSSK Radio) and Bryan Tolentino (class of 1979, and sometimes a member of Olomana); he'll be joined by Chris Kamaka ('74, and a Ho'okena regular) and Chad Takatsugi (from Ale'a). Of course, there'll be hula by Maelia Loebenstein-Carter's Ka Pa Hula O Kauanoe O Wa'ahila; other entertainers include the Leonani Trio and Frank DeLima. ...

Speaking of DeLima: He's headlining two shows on Mother's Day, May 11. The first is a brunch affair at 10:30 a.m., then there's a dinner bash from 5:30 p.m., at the Palace Showroom of the Ohana Reef Towers Hotel. Cost is $40 per person, $25 for children 4-12 (prices include a buffet meal and the performance), and it's a good bet that his No. 1 fan, his mom Pearl DeLima, will be on hand. Maybe for both! ...

SIGHT 'EMS: Willie K gave an impromptu and free performance one night last week at the Clipper Lounge of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott resort, much to the delight of patrons and staff. ...

Andy Bumatai, who's reactivated his standup career (with shows at Brew Moon and at the Hoku Hale Showroom at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel), was in the audience a few nights back when singer Loretta Ables-Sayre, a longtime pal, was performing at the Ship's Tavern at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel. Same night, Kanoe Cazimero danced a hula. ...

Les Peetz no longer is part of Al Waterson's backup band Fridays at Nick's Fishmarket. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...

Wayne Harada's Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays; reach him at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.