Posted on: Thursday, January 6, 2005
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SHOW BIZ
Santanas continue tradition on Maui
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
CELEB-RATIONS: Carlos Santana and his family had a relaxing Maui vacation over the Christmas holidays — an annual tradition that included dinner at Pacific 'O in Lahaina. "No big fanfare, just chillin'," is the way executive chef James McDonald described the visit. McDonald also welcomed Stevie Nicks and Mick Fleetwood to his Feast at Lele. ...
The Santana 'ohana also dined at Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Kapalua. By the way, Ivan Pahk, executive chef at Sansei Kapalua, was selling 60 pounds of 'ahi a night over the holidays. "Don't even ask me how much rice we're going through," said a gleeful Pahk. ... Meanwhile, on O'ahu, the staff at Sansei in Waikiki was thrilled that U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois (formerly of Honolulu) and his family enjoyed the contemporary Japanese cuisine at D.K. Kodama's relocated restaurant. ... Frankie Avalon said the Honolulu reception of the just-concluded "Grease" at Blaisdell Concert Hall was the best-ever of the tour. Avalon, who was the Teen Angel in the stage production (reprising his role from the landmark 1978 film version) had a whole bunch of family folks reunited at the Royal Hawaiian hotel.
He had to leave earlier this week, since "Grease" continues its run in San Francisco. ...
Avalon even joined Augie Rey and the Little Band on stage one night at the Royal Hawaiian, where his "Daddy's Home" vocal was particularly appealing. ... Wayne Newton, who sold out his New Year's Eve bash at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, had a quick departure because of a mid-week gig in Las Vegas. ... Actor Jon Lovitz and his family and friends lunched at Tiki's Grill & Bar over the holidays. ... HOT 'N' HIP: Hottest holiday show? Had to be "Stomp!" which was a complete sellout during the 16-show run at the Hawai'i Theatre. The sales did not come without work; the cast, led by local boy Andres Fernandez, toiled long and hard to get the word out, putting the stamp on "Stomp!" in the mindset of locals and visitors alike, with standing-room-only promotional gigs at Bishop Square and Ward Warehouse. All of which was a joy for Jam Theatricals president Steve Traxler, who was in town for the "Stomp!" and "Grease" closings (Jam did both productions, which overlapped). Next up: "Lord of the Dance," starting April 29 at Blaisdell Concert Hall. ... For Maui fans, "Stomp!" opens a three-day run tonight at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Castle Theater. ...
Actor and standup comedian Stan Egi, who opened for Howie Mandel in his pair of New Year's Eve shows at the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel, said he got the gig after Tom Moffatt, the presenter, read a profile of the local boy in our TGIF section. It was a chance for the seasoned trouper (who earlier worked a decade in Los Angeles and another 10 years in New York) to reach a wider audience. ... And actor-comic David Spade, plus seven of his pals, worked out at the Kailua Fitness health club between Christmas and New Year's. "They all bought Kailua Fitness T-shirts and were joking around and having a great time," said club owner Allison B. Snow. ... RANDOM NOTES: James MacArthur, the veteran actor, will direct his father's play (a collaboration of Charles MacArthur and Ben Hecht), "Twentieth Century," which bows Feb. 11 at Diamond Head Theatre. MacArthur, the well-known "Danno" from "Hawaii Five-0," is in town for rehearsals. ... Grammy nominee Lisa Loeb performs at 9 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Hawaiian Hut. Tickets are $28; the show is one of the first by Andrew Meader and Meader Arts. Call 550-8457. ... It was a ho-ho-horrid holiday season — and hospitalization — for two actors. Richard Pellet had lower-back surgery; Dean Turner had a blood-related procedure. "I think we'll be ready to celebrate Christmas in March," said Pellet. ... The Abbe Brewster Caffe, on Pi'ikoi Street, still is a haven for show-biz types. Deejay Hawaiian Ryan is a regular; dancer Kamakoa Page and news couple Kim Gennaula and Guy Hagi have been in for a sip. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, on a break from "Memoirs of a Geisha" filming, stopped by; ditto, Barry Flanagan and Kenneth Makuakane. ... Sean Kirk, who lives in Phoenix, spent the holidays in Kailua with mom, Frannie Kirk, who is the Outrigger Hotels' entertainment director. Among the outings: Sunday brunch at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental with friends. ... 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.
