Posted on: Tuesday, October 5, 2004

SHOW BIZ
Disneyland's 'Aladdin' stars ex-Islander

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

THE LOCAL ANGLE: Joseph Morales, former Islander, started rehearsals this week as an understudy in the lead role of Aladdin in Disneyland's "Aladdin the Musical" production in California. You might remember him from local productions such as Army Community Theatre's "Big River" (he played Huck Finn); 'Ohi'a Productions' "On Dragonfly Wings" and Manoa Valley Theatre's "Side Show." He's committed through April 2005 and will succeed Alec Selma, another ex-Islander . ...

"Ka," the acclaimed Cirque du Soleil production now at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, has a local connection: Sarah Harding, Punahou graduate who is the daughter of Ken and Kitty Harding, is part of the acrobatic ensemble. She just placed third in the Ms. Fitness World Competition (she was the top-scoring American entrant). ...

Kaitlin Kiyan, who appeared in a number of community productions, is attending the LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. That's the "Fame" school that inspired the film, the stage musical and TV series. The school annually gets 12,000 applicants, with space for 700 freshmen, so parents Paul and Carol Kiyan have a right to brag. ...

There's a Honolulu connection with the just-out "Shark Tale" movie. Rob Letterman, one of three directors and a screenwriter (this is first produced screenplay), was born and raised in the Islands. He's a 1988 Mid-Pacific Institute graduate who also attended the University of Southern California's film school. He's working on another animated project for DreamWorks and has live-action screenplays in various stages of development at other studios. ...

AROUND TOWN: Kit Samson's Sound Advice again will provide music at the sold-out Oct. 11 'Iima Awards, presented by The Advertiser as a Diamond Head Theatre benefit. His group will include bassist Miles Jackson and drummer Butch Nicolas, with singers Tracy Smith, Alfredo Romero and Kathy Mitchell aboard. Expect to find some delightful, delirious "De-Lovely" songs from the Cole Porter song bag. The awards show features Loretta Ables Sayre as emcee, with "Anything Goes" leads Stefanie Smart and Andrew Sakaguchi joined by Shari Lynn and Jimmy Borges. ...

Tino Ibach, front man of TRK (formerly Tino & the Rhythm Klub), may not look familiar with his bald pate. The group, at Esprit at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, now features Blythe Goya, Domingo Laranio and Mike Times, performing at 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and at 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. ...

While here to check on his three Ruth's Chris Steak Houses, restaurateur Randy Schoch worked in some surf time but also caught up with pal Levi Stanley, the former footballer, over breakfast at the Outrigger Canoe Club, where tablemates included Ruth's director of operations Paul Ah Cook, his wife, Robin, and their tot Ally. They bumped into Raquel Guss, who was celebrating her 16th birthday; she's the new Hawai'i Junior Miss and daughter of Barron and Dede Guss. ...

IDOL-ATRY: Reflecting on the recent "American Idol" concerts at Blaisdell Arena — yes, Camile Velasco did actually make that outrageous orange dress Fantasia Barrino wore three nights in a row. Yep, the one with scraps and danglies. ...

Though she didn't take the stage, Leah Labelle, an ousted candidate, was here for the tour, rooming with Velasco. ...

Diana DeGarmo had lunch one day at BluWater Grill on the Hawai'i Kai marina. And partied at Blue Tropix one evening. ...

More gratifying than seeing all the finalists in the flesh was witnessing the diverse ages — tykes to kupuna — in the audience. And not only did Velasco and Jasmine Trias receive a hero's welcome, all singers got generous squeals and applause from the hometowners. Which tells you the power of "Idol" — these diehards watched and voted every week. ...

That "secret" lu'au for the "American Idol" performers was held at the Waikiki Aquarium. No wonder a tent was up on the party lawn. ...

SHORTS OF SORTS: After 20 years of directing "Mardi Gras Follies," Jack Cione says next year's will be his last. Auditions will be at 8 p.m. tomorrow at the Waikiki Community Center, and the show bows Feb. 18 at Pearl Harbor Banyan Club for 12 performances. ...

Greg and Marilyn Gabaylo (he's the juggler) welcomed a son, Alika James Ramiscal Gabaylo, Sept. 26 at Kapi'olani Medical Center. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...

Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, or fax 525-8055.

Correction: Former Kane'ohe resident Alexander Selma remains in the lead role for Disneyland's "Aladdin" musical production in California. His contract runs through April. Former O'ahu resident Joseph Morales started rehearsals this week as an understudy. Incorrect information was reported in an previous version of this story.