They're just having a ball, ballroom dancing in 'Follies'

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Faith and Benny Agbayani are among the 11 married couples performing in this year's edition of "Mardi Gras Follies." 'Mardi Gras Follies' 8 p.m. today, Saturday (dinner from 6:30 p.m., show at 7:45 p.m.); repeats Fridays and Saturdays through March 27; brunch shows March 7 and 21 (12:30 p.m. lunch, 1:30 p.m. show) The Banyans Pearl Harbor $35, $45, $50 473-1703 weekdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

"It's good fun. We love to dance, and it gives us a chance to give back to the community," said Faith Agbayani.

Yes, they are the parents of baseballer Benny Agbayani, formerly of the New York Mets and now playing pro ball with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Nippon Professional Baseball's Pacific League.

"It's particularly a good time," said Faith Agbayani, who said she and her husband, both of whom direct the ballroom dancers' group, find joy in doing community charities and meeting many folks, particularly those from the East Coast who have seen their famous son in action.

"Benny (the younger) has not ever seen the 'Mardi Gras,' " said his mom. "But his wife, Niela, and our granddaughter, Aleia, are both coming this year."

The Agbayanis are one of 11 married couples in the cast this year, said director-choreographer Jack Cione.

"It's the first time in my 19 years of directing the 'Follies' that we've had so many couples in our cast of 50," he said. Further, the married ones reflect a diversity of ethnicities and come from both the military and civilian communities.

The Agbayanis benefit from participation "because we learn, from Jack, the Broadway side of performing," said Faith Agbayani.

The couple have a solo moment, doing a number from "Hairspray," a current box-office favorite in New York, and they are among the dancers in a "Peabody" production that taps several of their ballroom allies, including Maury and Eve Duque, Esmenio and Rose Andre, and John and Karen Kotake.

Other couples are Henry and Lilia Alambatin, Preston and Ladelle Arnold, John and Patti Chrzanowski, Ed and Cora Freitas, Jack and Pat Huntoon, Steve and Cindy Serkies and Alton and Cathy Waiamu.

The cast of 50 ranges in age from 36 to 86, and they strut their stuff in dazzling costumes — sequins, feathers and rhinestones are abundant — with the Las Vegas flair designed by Bill Doherty.

Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, or fax 525-8055.