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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, May 22, 2008

Be a part of new venue and show in Waikiki

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

"Waikiki Nei," an extravagant new show and ultra lounge in the Royal Hawaiian Center that is under construction, is holding open casting for bar staff, nightclub dancers and aerialists, in anticipation of a July launch.

The $22 million, 750-seat showroom will host a Hawaiian theatrical production, with vocal, dance and visual elements to reflect Hawai'i's storied past, from the Hawaiian monarchy to the present. A cast is rehearsing for a mid-July premiere.

The showroom, with seating that is retractable, will also serve as a mammoth nightclub and bar. In addition, there will be an ultra lounge. It is being promoted as a Las Vegas-caliber space, with VIP service, specialty cocktails and "wired" tables allowing for multimedia and interactivity.

"Waikiki Nei" is seeking specialty acts that will provide mid-air entertainment — trapeze artists, aerial ballerinas and bungee acts in particular — as well as bartenders, bar backs, cocktail servers, door hosts and security personnel.

Auditions will be from 1 to 3 p.m. tomorrow for bar staff, and from 3 to 5 p.m. tomorrow for nightclub dancers and aerialists, at the Maui Room of the Sheraton Waikiki hotel. Callbacks are slated for Wednesday.

Roy Tokujo, developer of the " 'Ulalena" production on Maui, who has nearly 50 years of show-biz experience here, is producing "Waikiki Nei." Todd Dougall, a 30-year veteran of entertainment at the MGM Grand, is overseeing production of the new space.

For additional information, call 931-6200.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.