Posted on: Thursday, May 5, 2005

SHOW BIZ
Show focuses on legendary wave rider

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

WHO'S NEWS: Phil Arnone, the independent producer, and Robert Pennybacker, his principal writer, are working on an hour-long Duke Kahanamoku TV special for probable airing in August on KGMB-9. Kahanamoku, of course, is the legendary surfer and Olympian, still revered as a god of the waves. This production team has created TV specials on Eddie Aikau, Hawai'i's 50 greatest albums, Bruddah Iz (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole) and Kapi'olani Park. ...

Rachel Berman, who danced with the prestigious Paul Taylor Dance Company (including a gig at the Hawai'i Theatre), has accepted a full-time position at the California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles. She'll teach modern technique and composition. ...

Prior to the June 11 "Take a Walk in the Country 3" concert at the Waikiki Shell, expect to see (and buy) a "Take a Walk" CD and DVD based on an earlier outing. Gaylord Holomalia has been assisting in editing and producing the keepsake, and John Koko of the Sons has been talking about the project, though a specific timetable has not been announced.

DATES TO CIRCLE: Hawaiian music fans should check out the second annual Wai Aniani benefit for Halau Mohala 'Ilima, from 5 to 10 p.m. on May 22 at the Ocean Club at Restaurant Row. The slate of performers includes Kaumaka'iwa Kanaka'ole, Keawe Lopes, Holunape, Na Palapalai and an unnamed guest artist from Maui. Mapuana da Silva's Halau Mohala 'Ilima dancers will also dance. A $10 donation at the door gets you in; proceeds benefit the halau. ...

Eddie Kamae will join Mike Ka'awa and the Hawaiian Boys in a "Concert in the Courtyard" program from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on May 12 at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider hotel. Kroon and Mahi Beamer are also on the bill. The show is free. ...

Don Tiki will provide entertainment at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's spring gala, from 6 to 11 p.m. May 27 at the Royal Hawaiian's Monarch Room. Besides cocktails and dinner, a silent auction will help raise money to support research. Tickets are $350 each, with corporate tables also available. Call 988-1000. ...

That "Yesterday Once More" dance concert, featuring Kit Samson's Sound Advice (and set for May 27 at the Japanese Cultural Center), will have subsequent outings in August and December.

Samson hopes to enlist a string of guest chirpers, including Melveen Leed, Shari Lynn and Sonya Mendez. Notable musicians are also on the roster, including Alfredo Romero and Albert Maligmat, formerly of the Society of Seven. The dance format will encourage a diversity of music, along with interplay with pop, soul, and other rhythm masters such as Rolando Sanchez.

ITEMIZATIONS: Restaurateur Ed Wary accepted a recent golfing date with Rich Miano Sr. and his wife, Sandy, and found himself suggesting they play at Royal Kunia. Wary had a motive — he's opening an Auntie Pasto's in Kunia later this year, and the Mianos are almost seven-nights-a-week regulars at his Auntie Pasto's on Beretania Street, so he wanted to give them a head's up. ...

Most of the eight performances of the recent "Cats" at Blaisdell Concert Hall were sold out — a good indicator that its presenter might continue staging productions here. "People in Hawai'i really loved 'Cats,' " said Steve Boulay of Clear Channel Theatrical, who was here for the finale. "Based on its huge success, we will be working hard to bring Broadway touring shows back in full force to Honolulu."

Clear Channel Theatrical, based in Salt Lake City, administers Broadway in Honolulu, the division that oversees Honolulu productions, taking over the responsibility from Toronto-based Ronald Andrew. Andrew's prime shows in the 1990s here included "Les Miserables," "Phantom of the Opera," "Rent" and "Miss Saigon." ...

Army Community Theatre producer-director Vanita Rae Smith got a backstage tour of the junkyard set of "Cats" at Blaisdell, when she and more than 30 cast members from her recent production of "Miss Saigon" attended a performance. Shawna Masuda (Kim), Fran Gendrano (Gig), Joey Caldarone (the Engineer) and Jay Flores (Thuy), plus music director Melina Lilios and costume whiz Kathe James all paid attention because ACT will stage the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical next February at Richardson Theatre with a local cast. ...

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.