SHOW BIZ
Yvonne Elliman ready for more 'Superstar'
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
SUPER REVIVAL: Thirty years after she originated the role of Mary Magdalene in the concert, stage and film versions of "Jesus Christ Superstar," Yvonne Elliman is ready to sing "I Don't Know How to Love Him" and "Everything's Alright" all over again.
"I'm a whole key lower now," Elliman said of her singing voice. After years on the Mainland, she has been living in Manoa the past few years.
The production is more of a staged concert than a full-fledged theatrical revival, but it still requires her to dust off the score and libretto and rehearse.
Set for April 14 at the University of Texas in El Paso, "Superstar" will be a tribute to co-composer Tim Rice, said Elliman. Meantime, she has been writing new music; she has recorded a demo of her original, "Simple Needs," and hopes that will segue into a bigger project. ...
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THINKING OUT LOUD: Watching Jordan Segundo perform on "American Idol," didn't you get the feeling that he's like a younger Martin Nievera, the locally reared entertainer who's the king of the crooners in the Philippines?
It so happens that Nievera's in town for a concert scheduled at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (with Regine Velasquez) at the Hawai'i Convention Center. Of course, Nievera's a lot more seasoned, with a lot more vocal depth, but they both work well in front of the camera. ...
Segundo's popularity continues to climb. He'll be a guest performer at Saturday night's 49th annual Terno Ball at the Ala Moana Hotel's Hibiscus Ballroom, just across the street from the Nievera gig.
Segundo clearly is No. 1 in the hearts of the Filipino community; the Hawai'i Filipino Women's Club, sponsor of the ball, will present an award of commendation to Segundo. Tickets: $35 (includes dinner at 7 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m.). ...
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HERE 'N' THERE: Paul Ogata's recent trek to Los Angeles to appear at the Laugh Factory on the Sunset Strip is reaping rewards. The stand-up, who's a morning deejay on KDDB-FM, headlined with Godfrey (the comic on the 7-Up commercials), along with Bobby Lee (from Fox's "Mad TV").
But here's the kicker: Club owner Jamie Masada was totally impressed with Ogata and wants to manage his career, with plans to link Ogata with the Wayans brothers (clients of Masada) in their next movie.
Ogata's chums from local radio, Kid Leo, Blunt, Sam the Man and Slick Vic, accompanied him to L.A. and they caught a Lakers game (sitting a few rows behind Jack Nicholson), watched Drew Carey earn his Walk of Fame star, and saw Jay Leno live. ...
Jimmy Borges, glowing with excitement and satisfaction with his Frank Sinatra shows in Palm Springs, jammed with Jack Jones, Buddy Greco and Hal Linden and played some of his best golf.
Ol' Blue Eyes has triggered a new career for the singer; he'll now host a PBS Hawai'i special on Sinatra at 6 p.m. Sunday. Sinatra duets with Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin and Elvis Presley will be shown. Vicki Borges also had her own brand of thrills — doing the party scene with new friend Barbara Sinatra. ...
"Al Waterson and You" continues at Don Ho's Island Grill Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but Waterson starts a nonkaraoke gig from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays, starting tomorrow, at Nick's Fishmarket. A musical trio will support him. ...
It's not unusual for recording star George Benson to enjoy the jazz at Pacific 'O in Lahaina, nor is it unusual for him to join in with the band. But last weekend, Benson gave patrons an extra treat, delivering soulful standards such as "Green Dolphin Street" and "Misty." ...
And that's Show Biz ...
Wayne Harada's Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach him at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, phone 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
