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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, March 29, 2007

SHOW BIZ
Tam ready to step out of 'A Chorus Line' role

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Columnist

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BROADWAY BITS: This winter, Jason Tam took time off from his starring role as Paul San Marco in Broadway's "A Chorus Line" revival to shoot Season 2 of the Makaha-based series "Beyond the Break" that airs on The N network. Now he's back pounding the boards at Manhattan's Schoenfeld Theatre. His "Chorus" contract expires in September, and he wants to explore other options. His parents, Jim and Linda Tam, will fly to the Big Apple to see him one more time in May. ...

Meanwhile, another local boy, Doug Kreeger, continues to appear as Jean Prouvaire in the Broadway revival of "Les Miserables" at the Broadhurst Theatre. He also understudies the role of Marius. The "Les Miz" cast appeared on "The View" last week. ...

When publicist Lisa Josephsohn was in snowy New York last month, she saw a bunch of shows, including "A Chorus Line" — sans Tam. Nonetheless, she reunited with Heather Parcells, who plays Judy. Josephsohn met Parcells when the actress was portraying Velma in a "Chicago" national tour that landed at the Blaisdell Concert Hall a few years back. Parcels and Josephsohn bonded over Italian food at Bond 45. ...

NAMES 'N' PLACES: David Kamakahi, a musician in his own right and the son of singer-composer Dennis Kamakahi, proposed to Lisa Daitoku, formerly of Concord, Calif., but now an Island resident. The couple plan to marry next February or March. ...

Pals and school chums of Kalani graduate Robert Gregory Browne, may be interested to learn that he has just released "Kiss Her Goodbye," the first of a two-book deal with St. Martin's Press. In 1990, Browne won an Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences screenwriting fellowship that led to a Showtime deal, but his writing interest has turned to novels. ...

ITEMIZATIONS: Kaleo Pilanca, a standup comic when he's not doing the Morning Madness show on Island 98.5, probably has more ha-ha material with the Feb. 28 birth of his fourth child, a son named Kaeden. And he's not ready to stop yet. "Maybe one more, when the time comes." Pilanca has been shaping characters and routines for his ongoing DVD shoot, a homage to Rap Reiplinger. "Trying to stick with Rap style but adding my own flavor and characters," said Pilanca. Next up for him: "The Nahenahe Comedy Fest," at 8 p.m. April 14, at the Hawaiian Hut, with Lanai, Big Steve, Elroy, Hawaiian Guy and Kenny-Hune. Tickets: $20 in advance, at 954-1402. ...

When Hoku Zuttermeister recently guested on Michael W. Perry and Larry Price's Saturday KSSK brunch show at John Dominis Restaurant to introduce his new "'Aina Kupuna" CD, he had a pair of all-star backup musicians — none other than guitarist Jerome Koko and bassist John Koko of The Makaha Sons. Then again, Zuttermeister frequently tours with the Hawaiian music faves, and they've supported the budding recording star. ...

That was Luke Hagi, 4, showing off his karate moves, with little sister Alia mimicking him, at a recent lunch at Romano's Macaroni Grill. They're the children of KGMB anchorwoman Kim Gennaula and meteorologist Guy Hagi, and provided chef Michael Longworth with a few chuckles. The Hagis, plus co-anchor Keahi Tucker, should have lots to celebrate these days; their 10 p.m. newscast on the CBS affiliate has maintained its No. 1 slot in the battle of the news in the February Nielsen TV ratings. ...

FINALLY: The Kamehameha Schools' Kapalama Children's Chorus is off to New Zealand for a round of concerts. The group will perform Hawaiian, Broadway and other tunes for the folks of Aotearoa.

"Music speaks a truly universal language and this trip presents so many wonderful learning opportunities for our keiki," said chorus director Lynell Bright, traveling with 85 students in grades 4 to 6.

The chorus of 2001 is best known for its recording of two tunes for Disney's animated film set in Hawai'i, "Lilo & Stitch." ...

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.