Posted on: Thursday, September 25, 2003
SHOW BIZ
New film to feature Oscar winner, local link
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
THE LOCAL ANGLE: Jeffrey Meek, former star of the Hawai'i-filmed "Raven" series, has co-written (with Kevin Spacey) a film on the life of singer Bobby Darin. It's likely to be entitled "Beyond the Sea," and starts shooting next month in Los Angeles. "I wrote my draft of the script, and Kevin dug it, so we got together and wrote some more," said Meek. Spacey is a quadruple threat on the project: Besides co-writing and producing, he'll portray the singer and also will do his own singing, reviving such Darin signatures as "Dream Lover," "Splish Splash" and "Mack the Knife." "It's been a dream of his to play this part for a long time," said Meek of the Oscar winner. "Kevin even signs his e-mails 'BD.' " Kate Bosworth, who starred in "Blue Crush," will play Sandra Dee. Other cast members are John Goodman, Bob Hoskins, Kathy Moriarty and Vanessa Redgrave. "Just thinking (of) Vanessa Redgrave doing my words makes me laugh out loud — big thrills," said Meek, who continues to act and write. Earlier this year, he performed a one-man show based on the life of Axel Von Fersen, who was Marie Antoinette's lover, and completed a TV episode of "She Spies," expected to air soon. "Been all over the world, and nothing beats Hawai'i," he said. ...
Jeff Gray, a Mid-Pacific Institute alumnus who performed in MPI and Starving Artists Theatre Company productions in the early 1990s, went on to study drama at New York University and classical composition at Manhattan School of Music, from where he graduated in 1998. He's made strides since: On the WE network, Gray's background music has been heard on "When I Was a Girl" episodes. Gray also plays sax in the band PIC, which has two CDs and has made many appearances on "Premium Blend With Wanda Sykes" on the Comedy Channel. ...
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AROUND TOWN: Carmen Diaz and Justin Timberlake had Sunday brunch together at the Outrigger Canoe Club. The two are popping up just about everywhere — unbothered by onlookers, obviously. ...
Giving credit where it's due: to Kanoelani Gibson, our Miss Hawai'i, who came ascloseasthis to copping the Miss America crown last Saturday night. First runner-
up is terrific, so let's hear it for her mentors: Neva Rego coached her vocally, Takeo of 2 Couture whipped together her gown in four days, Raymond Abregano Jr. coordinated stage presence. ...
Sounds like exotica fun when "Primitiva! Don Tiki's Tribute to Martin Denny" unfolds Oct. 4 at the Hawai'i Theatre. Tiki lounge culture is the buzz, is the buzz, with tiki dancers joining guest artists Ho'okena, Teresa Bright, Buddy Fo, Chant, Lopaka Colon and Augie Colon, all paying homage to Denny, who's 92. ...
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MENTIONABLES: Record crowds attended Army Community Theatre's "Gypsy" finale Saturday at Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter, bringing a huge smile to producer Vanita Rae Smith's face. The buzz on Shari Lynn's performance as Mama Rose had enthusiasts showing up in great numbers; ditto for Jakara Mato as Older Louise. Everything came up roses at the curtain call, when James Berger Jr. of corporate sponsor Saab appeared on stage to present lavish bouquets of roses to each. A cast party followed Sunday at Compadres, where Lynn, Mato and other performers such as David Farmer showed up, along with director Glenn Cannon. ...
With Austin Vali taking on a market manager post with Cox Radio's Long Island, N.Y., properties, his post here will be assumed by Mike Kelly, who already oversees KCCN and KINE. Kelly will take over two other Cox stations on O'ahu previously managed by Vali, KRTR and KXME, effective Nov. 3.
And that's Show Biz. ...
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
