In the show-must-go-on tradition, the Don Ho Show will reopen tomorrow night at the Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber's Hoku Hale showroom — continuing without Ho, who died Saturday of heart failure at age 76.

It was Ho's wish to keep the flame burning, to continue to showcase the young talent of Hawai'i, according to Cha Thompson, who is serving as spokeswoman for the Ho 'ohana.

Haumea Hebenstreit Ho, Ho's wife, indicated it was Ho's desire to keep the show running so his family of performers could share the gift of aloha with visitors as long as interest continues. Haumea Ho is expected to continue her backstage role as executive producer, overseeing the production's technical cues.

Thompson said tickets have been reserved to continue filling the showroom for at least two weeks.

"I talked to Haumea ... she supports the show going on according to Don's wishes," said Donna Jung, Ho's publicist. "And visitors continue to make reservations, even knowing the news (of Ho's death)."

Jackie "Tiny Bubbles" Bay, a longtime Ho supporter and cast member who had previously filled in for Ho during illnesses, will serve as emcee and a featured singer. Ho underwent a stem cell procedure in Bangkok in 2005, in an attempt to rejuvenate his weakening heart.

The legendary entertainer envisioned a show that could continue on without him, Bay said.

"In the year and a half since his surgery, we've done his show with and without him," Bay said. "I think he was trying to explain to us to carry on his wish, as if he's still there. He wasn't playing a big role in his show; he felt it could go on without him. In a sense, he was bowing out the past year, saying his goodbyes."

The cast will include singing fiddler Tokyo Joe; veteran musicians Dennis Graue and Benny Chong; and singers Taimane Gardner, Taran Erickson, Christina Youngs, Matthew Pablo and Angel Pablo. Comedian Andy Bumatai has agreed to be part of the show tomorrow and whenever he can, Bay said; singer Danny Couch also is eager to participate. Asked if Hoku Ho, Ho's singing daughter, will be joining the cast, Bay said no.

Briana Pratt, who won a karaoke contest at Ho's namesake restaurant/club, Don Ho's Island Grill, also has joined the show. Last week, before his death, Ho told Jung, "It's been a long time since I've been this excited about a new talent."

The show will continue to feature vintage video footage of Ho from TV appearances, and also footage of Ho with his young son.

For the immediate future, Ho's organ — located stage center in the Hoku Hale showroom — will remain in its place, as a tribute to Ho. "We thought of moving it to the back of the stage, as if it were looking down at us, but for now, it will be where it is," Bay said.

A name change is under consideration, according to Bay; one possibility is "Don Ho Presents Hawai'i 'Ohana Ho."

Sales for tomorrow's performance guarantee a nearly a full house, Thompson said. And the shows Thursdays and Sundays will be maintained as long as the business is there.

In the future, however, the producers may need to evaluate whether fans continue to express interest in a Don Ho Show without the famous performer.

"We would love it to go on forever and forever, but there can never be a Don Ho Show without Don," said Thompson.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.