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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, November 22, 2007

SHOW BIZ
India.Arie, Paula Fuga may collaborate

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Columnist

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Singer India.Arie has been in Honolulu after spending some quiet and productive time songwriting on Kaua'i, and she went on a shopping spree. Picked up a bunch of items from Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry, plus a shrug by Pam Sandridge. Then dined at Indigo Eurasian Cuisine before heading for the Pipeline Cafe to check out singer Paula Fuga, and she liked what she heard — so collaborative work in the future is possible.

Suzanne Koga, local girl who also is manager of Roberta Flack (a good pal of India.Arie), said India.Arie might link up with the "Killing Me Softly With His Song" singer, too.

India.Arie is known for hits such as "I Am Not My Hair" (with Akon), "Purify Me" and "Little Things." The gent here with her was actor (beau?) Roger Mitchell. ...

MORE SIGHTINGS: actress Elizabeth Mitchell, who plays Dr. Juliet Burke on ABC's "Lost," found her way to the Ke'eaumoku Wal-Mart during down time. Mitchell shopped without drawing too much attention. ...

Reggie Miller, formerly of the Indiana Pacers, was spotted at Uncle Bo's in Kapahulu last Saturday night. ...

PERSONALITIES: Moya Angela, Jeremiah Tatum and a couple of other "The Lion King" pals will give a show from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Monday at the Cupola Theatre at the Honolulu Design Center. Admission is $25 ($30 at the door) for adults, $10 for students, with proceeds benefitting the Mid-Pacific Institute. Nice to hear of continuing ways the "Lion" crew gives back to the community. Remember, the Disney musical closes Dec. 9. ...

AND HAVE YOU NOTICED? There have been a couple of localized moments in the show at the Blaisdell Concert Hall — a mention that one of the curtains was obtained from Hilo Hattie's. And a scattered "mahalo" and "aloha," here and there. ...

AROUND TOWN: Auntie Genoa Keawe's umpteenth 89th birthday celebration, held last Friday at the Ala Moana Hotel's Hibiscus Ballroom, featured one of the longest-running versions of "Alika," her signature tune, in anyone's memory. Keawe, joined by a retinue of celeb pals, sang and sang and held and held those precious ha'i notes, amazing one and all. Among those taking the stage: Melveen Leed, Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, Willie K (who has gout, the audience was told by Emme Tomimbang), Pomaika'i Keawe Lyman, Randy Fong, Cyril Pahinui, Ku'uipo Kumukahi, Kealoha Kalama, Gary Aiko, Eric Keawe, Alan Akaka, Kimo Kahoano, Keaumiki Akui and Brickwood Galuteria. Raiatea Helm and Natalie Ai Kamau'u both performed, but left shortly after their bits; Uncle George Naope appeared, wheeled in on wheelchair, then vanished. Sam Kapu Jr. was there, and lots of hula folks, keiki and adult. Now it's time for Auntie to rest ... until her milestone 90th birthday next Halloween. ...

Hawai'i Pacific University director Joyce Maltby, whose production of Moliere's "The Imaginary Invalid" now is in production at the Paul & Vi Loo Theatre at HPU's Windward campus, took in the Hawaii Repertory Theatre's original play by Paul T. Mitri, "Moliere," before it closed at Kawananakoa Middle School. A rarity, to have a pair of Moliere on the theatrical plate. ...

Maltby was in the audience of her HPU play the other night and heard a thump from backstage, then learned that Brad Powell, playing Dr. Purgeon in "Invalid," had fallen and sprained his ankle. In the show-must-go-on tradition, Powell completed his performance but sought treatment from a real doc, Kalani Brady, who ordered up a foot cast, which Powell removes before each entrance. Ouch! ...

Standing ovations are becoming de rigueur for Dennis Proulx, starring as Tevye in Army Community Theatre's "Fiddler on the Roof." Getting 'em at Richardson Theatre, and got one at the Perry & Price's KSSK brunch show Saturday at John Dominis. ...

RANDOM NOTES: Borders Ward Centre's local bestsellers last week found Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Wonderful World" back at No. 1, indicating its lasting power, with Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom's "Hawaiian Christmas" at No. 2 and Keali'i Reichel's "Kamahiwa" still at a respectable No. 3. Reichel's "Maluhia" Christmas CD from last season is back on the charts at No. 6 and John Cruz's "One of These Days" has dipped to No. 8. ...

Karen Keawehawai'i has become an enterprising crafter; her faux flowers debuted at the recent International Waikiki Hula Conference at the Hawai'i Convention Center. Hula disciple and artist Lynn Cook is a new fan. "The flowers are fantastic," said Cook. "I have the tiare on a comb — it is light as air. Really the best I've seen."

Keawehawai'i jokingly said she creates her stuff alone in her bedroom, without her husband, Jackie Farias. ...

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.

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