SHOW BIZ
Shari Lynn as Mama Rose — the perfect fit

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

THEATER NOTES: Shari Lynn is remarkable as Mama Rose in Army Community Theatre's revival of "Gypsy," now at Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter. She inhabits the part with all the passion and fervor of a dreaded but dedicated stage mother with nary a flaw — the right role for the right actor with the right voice at the right time of her career. She is so good, she could easily step into a national touring company tomorrow, without skipping a beat. Her solos, "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "Rose's Turn," are showstoppers — tunes originally written with the late Ethel Merman in mind. Director Glenn Cannon's choice of David Farmer as Herbie and Jakara Mato as Older Louise (a.k.a. Gypsy Rose Lee) are perfect in lesser roles, but the unexpected "find" is singer-dancer Cole Horibe, appearing as Tulsa; he has the agility and sizzle of a Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly, with a drizzle of Marcelo Pacleb, on his "All I Need Is a Girl" solo, and Grace Bell Humerickhouse's choreography clearly facilitates his journey to stardom. ...

So many folks have made "Longs" a part of their day — that is to say, Lee Cataluna's "Folks You Meet in Longs," in production at Kumu Kahua — that the entire run has sold out. Ditto, extra shows on Wednesdays, plus a matinee Oct. 5. No further playdates are anticipated, which leaves a lot (us included) out of luck. The Kumu crew borrowed Longs' familiar green tops for costumes, along with the check-out light and pharmacy sign — "just like being at Longs," according to Cataluna. Unlike at the real Longs, there are no rainchecks for a sellout. ...

And if you're New York-bound, check out ex-Islander Ann Harada (no relation) in the role of Christmas Eve in the surprising new hit, "Avenue Q," a show co-starring puppets spouting frank dialogue in kind of an adult version of "Sesame Street." Audiences love it, and her; a cast CD is expected shortly. ...

WHEE, THE PEOPLE: Tony Conjugacion will spotlight men of song and hula in "Kamau Pono VI — Na Kane O Ka Mele, Na Kane O Ka Hula," 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Hawai'i Theatre. Last time out he showcased an all-women cast, so this time the gents will strut. And check out the roster: singers Jerry Santos, Manu Boyd, Bill Ka'iwa, Darren Benitez, Keawe Lopes and O'Brian Eselu, with kumu hula and dance icons Peter Rockford Espiritu, Kau'i Kamana'o, Robert Cazimero, George Holokai, Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett and Michael Kekaimoku Yoshikawa. Conjugacion's Halau Na Wainohia is presenting this bash. ...

Honolulu Jazz Quartet will open for James Ingram in Honolulu Symphony Pops Concerts Oct. 3-4 at Blaisdell Concert Hall. Pops conductor Matt Catingub will do some arrangements from HJQ's new "Sounds of the City" CD, prompting group leader John Kolivas to say, "Wow!" ...

SHORTS OF SORTS: Bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman was a Career Day speaker at McKinley High School on Thursday, joining a Marine, an Air Force pilot, a radio personality and the creators of "Blood of the Samurai." Chapman's advice on jobs: Be the best at what you choose to do. His controversial capture of Andrew Luster has given him a high profile; he was featured on Dominick Dunne's "Power, Privilege & Justice" and will be seen on "Hollywood Squares" on Monday. A chat awaits, too, on Sharon Osbourne's new talk show, and a Playboy piece in January 2004. Also, CBS reps are interested in a TV movie deal. ...

Garry Moore, who does a terrific Little Richard impression, has been visiting. Stopped by Don Ho's Island Grill, where he and George Chun sang "Me and My Shadow" and "New York, New York," on which Moore did a Sammy Davis Jr. impression and Chun a Frank Sinatra bit. ... 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.