Posted on: Thursday, June 23, 2005
SHOWBIZ
Singer and skater drop by TGI Friday's
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
NAME-DROPPING: That was Davis Gaines, who earlier played the title role in "The Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway, lunching with Dorothy Hamill, 1976 Olympic gold medalist in figure skating, at TGI Friday's on Ward Avenue. The were in the company of Joy Abbott, widow of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright George Abbott, who also invited Tom Moffatt and Barbara Saito of Tom Moffatt Productions. The celebs were on an Island vacation; Joy Abbott spends part of her time in the Islands (owns an apartment at the Admiral Thomas). George Abbott's credits are vast and varied, including such Broadway staples as "The Boys From Syracuse," "Damn Yankees," "Pal Joey," "Pajama Game" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." Joy Abbott also is the sister-in-law of Keola Beamer, who is married to Joy's sister Moanalani (Mae Ann). Moffatt, of course, produced Beamer's best-selling album, "Honolulu City Lights." ...
Retired news anchor Bob Sevey will narrate KGMB's upcoming special on Duke Kahanamoku, which will air Aug. 24 on Channel 9 — coinciding with his birthday. ...
"A Tribute to Iz," the ninth annual salute to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, will be held from noon to 8 p.m. July 4 at the Naniloa Resort in Hilo. Jerome Koko and Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, from The Makaha Sons, will share memories of Bruddah Iz, and there will be entertainment by The Big Island Conspiracy, Makana & Friends, Halau Kou Lima Nani E, Island Soul, Bruddah Smitty and Russell Mauga & Friends. Admission is free. ...
LAUGH WORTHY: Comedian Andy Bumatai and deejay Brickwood Galuteria will emcee the city's 100th birthday party from 5:30 p.m. July 1 at the Waikiki Shell. ... More chuckles in store when Charlie Murphy, a "Chapelle" comedian, makes his Laugh Factory Honolulu debut July 1 at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. He has many claims to fame, not the least of which is that he's Eddie Murphy's brother. His tales about being Eddie's bodyguard are hilarious and part of his success. But little-known facts: Charlie is retired from the Navy and is an accomplished Hollywood screenwriter. ...
Comedian Mel Cabang stopped by the Perry & Price "Saturday Morning Show" last week to promote his unusual appearance as a contestant in the Taste of Honolulu's "Ready Set Cook" Saturday at the Honolulu Hale grounds. Why unusual? He's competing against Peter Carlisle, city prosecutor, who sent him to prison! Cabang joked he's not allowed to use any knives, just plastic spoons like they give out in prison. ...
WHEE, THE PEOPLE: Two former KGMB news anchors are visiting; Ross Shimabuku (KTVK, Phoenix) surprised dad George Shimabuku for Father's Day; Ku'ualoha Taylor (KFMB, San Diego) is here to plan a wedding later this year to Navy trauma surgeon Greg Campbell, and will move to Minnesota after the vows. Both air personalities spent time with buddy Liz Chun of Channel 9. ...
KGMB's Kim Gennaula and husband Guy Hagi treated her Arizona aunt and uncle to a night at Paradise Cove Luau for their 50th wedding anniversary. The uncle, 70, wound up on stage with a coconut bra for a dance. ...
"Tau's Haus — Disco Extravaganza!" is the theme of Peter Rockford Espiritu's Tau Dance Theatre fundraiser, from 5 to 10 p.m. July 9 at the O Lounge, 1349 Kapi'olani Blvd. Dress in disco duds; a fashion show with Betsey Johnson NYC creations will be a highlight. Tickets: $20 in advance, $30 at the door; VIP packages are $100. Call 227-7718 or write to tau@taudance.org. ... Local designer Nake'u Awai is prepping for Nake'u's Cabaret, a fundraiser for Temari, the Center for Asian & Pacific Arts, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 16 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i's Manoa Grand Ballroom. He's assembling artists and finery to put on the auction block; there will be food and drink, prepared and presented in cabaret style, with oodles of noshing fun. Plus entertainment and a silent auction of gift baskets and certificates. Advance tickets are $30 (buy before July 1), $35 at the door. Call 536-4566. ...
FINALLY: Islanders from near and far flocked to Makaha artist-designer's Vicky Durand's "trunk show" last weekend at Kailua Beach Walk. Former Warner Bros. senior publicist Dennise Stires (who worked for years with a mutual pal, Charlotte Kandel) helped organize it and promote Durand's tropical-chic designs. A hana-hou session will be held July 1 and 2. ... And that's Show Biz ...
Wayne Harada prepared this Show Biz column before going on vacation. Reach him at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067, or fax 525-8055.
