Island comics unite for 3-in-1 laugh fest

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Frank DeLima headlines a comedy triple-header at the Palace Showroom of the Ohana Reef Towers Hotel in Waikiki. Advertiser library photo Comedy Triple-header Frank DeLima, Andy Bumatai and Paul Ogata 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Palace Showroom, Ohana Reef Towers Hotel $25 includes one standard cocktail or soft drink 923-7469

The super-sized combo works, for the most part, with each taking turns in the limelight, each showing his strengths. The downside is that the viewer will compare, take sides and pick a favorite. Previously, Bumatai and Ogata did a late show following DeLima's stand-alone revue; corralling the talent pool makes for a smarter one-stop laff riot.

At a recent performance, Ogata was the opening act, sharing reactions from a Mainland trip, where he had the scream of his life on that plunging ride at Knott's Berry Farm. His topics also include Filipinos and the foods they eat, sharks, and — gulp — William Hung.

Bumatai forms the middle of the comedy sandwich, providing lingering evidence of his take on life in Hawai'i, from his analysis of gold man and silver man in Waikiki to the perils of aging and the acquisition of a hearing aid. He ponders the impact of "The Passion of the Christ" and puts down the inanities of airport security that makes a big thing of nail clippers.

DeLima, who mixes music with mirth, has the tough chore of being the entrée on the menu. In the headliner position, he revisits some of his popular costumed characters from the past, including Tita Turner and Imelda Marcos. And yes, his outrageous Auntie Mary is back, too. His problem: There are far too many gaps and loose threads in his impromptu approach.

His tunes include "Portagee Man," with reworked lyrics to the tune of "Travelin' Man," and "What I Did for Love," in the guise of the former first lady of the Philippines, and his longtime followers will immediately recognize both. Newcomers may be befuddled about the bespectacled wonder woman with the big hair and toaster-cover-sleeved dress.

DeLima would do well to do a couple minutes of stand-up, eliminating that misfired visitor bit about a scratch-and-sniff tour. His Don Ho impression evokes laughter, but it's a tad too long.

Still, DeLima, Bumatai and Ogata are among the working comics Hawai'i has adored over the years, and experiencing them together gives the viewer three shows in one. A little tweaking here and there would fortify the laughs and minimize the lulls.

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