DANCE: MAY 9-18

Q: What do you get when you combine 10 gallons of tempera paint, dancers and the jazz-fusion band Quadraphonix?

A: "Paint by Number," revived and revised by IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre, premiering May 9 at Honolulu Design Center's Cupola Theatre.

This dance performance explores themes of humanity, humor, peace, passion, war and life through movement, music and paint, for those who want to add a little splash of color to their lives.

8 p.m. May 9-11, 16-18 / Cupola Theatre,

Honolulu Design Center / $35 interactive splash zone, $40 side stage, $45 center stage / 528-0506, www.hawaiitheatre.com.

CONCERT: MAY 11

Mother's Day is right around the corner — and you can treat that special mom or mother figure to the Mother's Day Brunch With the Stars concert at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina. Hosted by comedian Kaleo Pilanca, the concert features performances by Grammy nominee Raiatea Helm, Hawai'i's "American Idol" finalist Jasmine Trias, Na Hoku Hanohano winner Kaukahi and those funnyguys Da Braddahs.

9:30-11:30 a.m. May 11 / JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina / $75 general, $720 per 10-seat table / 550-8457, www.honoluluboxoffice.com.

STAGE: MAY 15-JUNE 15

The award-winning play "Hostage Wife," right, is the story of Dee Fernandez, whose husband, a private-sector security guard in Iraq, is taken hostage, and her complications at home. Harry Wong III directs the production that includes, from left, Mish Raboteau and Jodie Yamada.

Premieres 8 p.m. May 15, continues at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, through June 15 / Kumu Kahua Theatre / $5-$16 / 536-4441, www.KumuKahua.org.

STAGE: MAY 16-JUNE 1

Based on Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy film, "The Producers" makes its Hawai'i stage premiere at Diamond Head Theatre. It's the story of producer Max Bialystock and his accountant, Leo Bloom, who scheme to get rich by overselling interests in a Broadway flop. But the show becomes a smash hit, and Bialystock and Bloom must deal with the consequences. The musical opened on Broadway April 19, 2001, and ran for 2,502 performances; it won a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards, including best musical.

Premieres at 8 p.m. May 16, repeating at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays through June 1 (matinees: 3 p.m. May 24 and 31) / Diamond Head Theatre / $12-$42 / 733-0274, www.diamondheadtheatre.com.

EXHIBIT: MAY 17-SEPT. 21

Learn about Earth's largest living mammals at the traveling, interactive exhibit "Whales: Wonders of the Ocean." Full-sized robotic versions of a baby gray whale, humpback and orca are among the attractions that illustrate the 54-million-year-old story of whales, from their early days on land to their lives now in the oceans. The exhibit will be the showcase of the June 22 Family Sunday, when residents and military are admitted for $3 each.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 17, continues through Sept. 21 / Bishop Museum / $15.95 general, $12.95 for those 4-12 and 65 and older; kama'aina and military, $8.95 and $7.95; free for keiki 3 and younger / 847-3511.

COMEDY: MAY 24

Funnygirl Kathy Griffin, below, brings her fearless, blunt and witty standup comedy to the Waikiki Shell. Griffin is known for her numerous TV appearances including her four-year stint on NBC's "Suddenly Susan," and more recently for her Bravo reality TV show, "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List," which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award in 2007 for best reality series.

7:30 p.m. May 24 / Waikiki Shell / $33, $47.50, $55 / 877-750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com.

EXPO: MAY 17-18

Calling all parents of newborns to preschoolers: The 11th Annual New Baby Expo, above, features more than 150 exhibitors offering information, products and services dedicated to you and your little ones. Special events include the Hawaii's Largest Baby Shower, a Baby Crawling Contest, an activities area for the kids, demonstrations and more.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 17-18 / Blaisdell Exhibition Hall / $4.50 general, free for keiki 5 and younger / 591-2211, www.newbabyexpo.com.

ETC.: MAY 26

Honor and remember those who have gone before at the 10th annual Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony at Ala Moana Beach Park, below. More than 1,500 lanterns will be lit and cast afloat from the shore at sunset as a symbol of togetherness and hope for a bright future. The event will also include entertainment, speeches and a Buddhist service officiated by Shinso Ito, head of Shinnyo-en Hawaii. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Ala Moana Beach Park.

6:30 p.m. May 26 / Ala Moana Beach Park / Free / 942-1848, www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com.

CONCERT: MAY 27

They're "Shining Stars" of the classic-rock/R&B/pops scene. Earth, Wind & Fire — Verdine White, Philip Bailey and Ralph Johnson — is coming back to Honolulu for a concert May 27 (they were last seen and heard in the 2007 Diamond Head Crater Celebration). In its 35 years of music-making, EWF boasts eight double-platinum albums, eight Grammy Awards and hits that include "September," "Let's Groove," and a funky cover of The Beatles' "Got to Get You Into My Life."

7:30 p.m. May 27 / Blaisdell Arena / $55, $65 / 877-750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com.

CONCERT: MAY 30

There's no stopping Bill Tapia, left, and his 'ukulele as he brings his Concert of the Century to the Monarch Room of the Royal Hawaiian hotel. Tapia, who turned 100 just a few months ago, will share the stage with fellow award-winning entertainers Makana, Jeff Peterson, Owana Salazar and Mihana. The concert will be a stylish sendoff for The Royal Hawaiian hotel before it closes for major restoration June 1.

7:30 p.m. May 30 / Monarch Room, Royal Hawaiian hotel / $48 / 550-8457, www.honoluluboxoffice.com.