SHOW BIZ
Tihati lands contract for 4 cruise-ship shows
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
ALL ABOARD: Tihati Productions has been hired to produce four new shows — a Polynesian one, a Hawaiian one, and two theatrical endeavors that will be presented aboard three Norwegian Cruise Line ships coming to Hawai'i next year. The projects will provide scores of potential jobs with renewable six-month contracts. Tihati has filled the roles for the Polynesian and Hawaiian shows but urgently needs dancers and singers for the theatrical and pop contemporary shows, "American Beat" (a musical journey through American history) and "Dance of Life" (a look at America through the ages), according to Tihati exec John Tilton, who left town over the weekend for creative meetings in Miami.
Respected local choreographers have been tapped for the theatrical ventures, including two resident major domos of dance, Marcelo Pacleb (driving force behind 24-VII) and R'yan Sabado (who's worked with Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Destiny's Child and Tina Turner); and Mark Kanemura (a 24-VII alum), who is returning from Disneyland Tokyo. These shows are written and directed by Keith Cox, who has Broadway credits.
Cha Thompson will be actively involved in the Polynesian and Hawaiian outings.
Auditions will be held Oct. 18 for dancers and Oct. 19 for singers; times and sites to be determined. "This is great for Hawai'i; our theatrical-type performers will be able to perform in top-notch theatrical productions here, rather than having to go away to look for full-time work," said Tilton. Broadway-quality shows are produced, with each ship requiring a cast of 14 alternating in the theatrical revues. For specifics, call Tihati Productions at 735-0292. ...
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PARADISE ALLEY: Looks like it will be a very special holiday season for D.K. and Lori Kodama (owners of Sansei and Vino). Their second child is due the first week in December, and from the moment the couple learned they were infant-icipating, D.K. has been insisting it will be a boy. Turns out he was right. The next big question is: Will the little "chef" favor sushi or pasta? Only time will tell. ...
If you've seen "Ragtime" at Diamond Head Theatre (and you should!), you'll note a replica of a Model T whisking to and fro. Pretty nice for plywood, right? But this is an engineering feat, the brainchild of DHT technical director Patrick Kelly, who had to resolve a space issue: There is not enough wing space for the car to turn around, after it moves to the right, then to the left. The solution: Disassemble and reassemble, by removing and reversing the steering wheel, grille, canopy, etc. Even Henry Ford wasn't that quick or creative! ...
We finally got to see Lee Cataluna's outrageously funny "Folks You See in Longs" (extended but sold out at Kumu Kahua Theatre) and it's a riot from start to finish; you'll have tears from laughing. It's anecdotal fluff, but richly atmospheric, loaded with acute observations of good eggs and bad eggs that only sistah Lee can whip up and whisk into an omelet of sheer joy. Cracked me up plenty! "Longs" will be revived in July. ...
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PARTY TIME: To mark his recent Merlin Award (2004 "Most Original" winner in an International Magicians Society contest), magician John Hirokawa will give a special performance for invitees at noontime Friday at the Magic of Polynesia Showroom at the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. Roberts Hawai'i is staging the showcase.
And Christmas came early for the folks at Tanioka's Market in Waipahu. Mel Tanioka hosted 100 staff and family in an early celebration Sunday, combining Christmas with a 25th anniversary celebration (a yule party also is held early, since Christmas is a busy season for all). Though normally off on Sundays, Hirokawa worked the show, which included two songs by Jasmine Tanioka, g.m. of her dad's operations, before the formal curtain. And that's Show Biz. ...
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
