Comic hopes solo concert is his ticket to Mainland

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Augie T. says his gay son, 18, helped write his new jokes about gay life. "I have his support," Augie says, and "he has my respect." 'AUGIE T. LIVE: ONE MAN SHOW' An evening of comedy with Augie T. 7 p.m. Saturday Hawai'i Theatre $20, $25; at the box office 528-0506

Sure, he's pretty much known in Hawai'i for his ongoing comedy work with radio partner Lanai and in clubs ranging from Brew Moon to the Comedy Shack (which has been situated at Dave & Buster's and the Pagoda Floating Restaurant, among other sites), TV commercial work and more.

But he's hungry for bigger pops. Like on network television.

Thus, his first solo gig, dubbed "Augie T. Live: One Man Show," Saturday at the Hawai'i Theatre, may have lasting implications. The gig will update his catalog of gags; it will also be fodder for a DVD that will serve as an audition tool for future bookings.

"I've been doing standup on the Mainland. But I want to get on Leno (Jay Leno's 'Tonight' show) and Letterman ('Late Night with David Letterman'), but without a decent tape, it's hard to break through," he said.

So he decided to do something about it.

"Nothing happens unless you make it happen yourself," said Augie, who's been fortifying his performance stripes with mentors such as comedian Andy Bumatai and entertainer Don Ho. "I can't wait around, so I talked to a lot of different people who might help me make this happen."

He swayed "Hawai'i Stars" producers Carole Kai and Dirk Fukushima to produce his one-nighter and coaxed McDonald's of Hawai'i to help with production costs.

And he said he's more conscious about lifestyles and themes that are potentially controversial but very close to home. He's taking risks he hasn't before, including focusing on his family life.

"In my latest phase, I talk about my son coming out — you know, gay," Augie said about his 18-year-old. "He's come out as a gay man, and I talk about how this has affected me, about how I try to understand my son's lifestyle. I love my son; by talking about his choice, perhaps I can help others in Hawai'i who may be faced with the same thing, who shun the facts of life.

"Heck, my son even helped me write the jokes, so I'm not exploiting him. I have his support; he has my respect. This is not about being offensive; it's about being truthful. It's real life."

He depicts his son somewhat like Jack, the unabashedly gay character portrayed by Sean Hayes on NBC's "Will and Grace."

"You know, flamboyant," said Augie. "My comedy is not to hurt him; he knows dad's just being honest and not hiding something under the rug."

His son is attending Leeward Community College, after graduating from Wai'anae High School. "He wants to be a journalist; he's a good kid and I'm proud of him."

Work on the radio and in clubs has galvanized Augie's confidence, allowing him to test new turf. "I grew up with learning disabilities, one of five brothers who grew up in Wai'anae and Kalihi. My dad is Filipino and my mom Portuguese, so this has often been the basis of my comedy," he said. "Make fun of myself — you can't get more local than this."

Augie hopes to go national by next January. "I want to show people on the Mainland what Hawai'i humor is all about," he said. "I have simple dreams, just like Camile (Velasco) and Jasmine (Trias) of 'American Idol,' and a great desire to 'go Mainland.' "

He's taken cues from Bumatai, a veteran standup. And Ho has offered the best advice. "He told me, 'Don't change for nobody. You do what you're doing. Stay true to who you are.' "

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