It's a sign of community bonding when actors in ABC's "Lost," wrapping up its final season here, take an interest in local theater.

Emmy-winning Michael Emerson, applauded for his work as Benjamin Linus in "Lost," did an interview with KITV's Paula Akana at the Hawai'i Theatre, just as the Hawai'i Theatre's Hawaii Young Actors' Ensemble wound up rehearsals for "Twelfth Night" (coming up at 8 p.m. April 22 and 23). Emerson, whose acting career began on stage, is a Shakespeare veteran; coincidentally, his first brush with The Bard was in "Twelfth Night," in which he played Malvolio. That resonated with the Isle teens . ...

Said Eden-Lee Murray, Hawai'i Theatre education director: "For my part as an artist/educator, it's really special when someone who has broken through into celebrity and success takes the time to encourage those starting up the ladder of their own careers. It's important for young artists to remember that Michael Emerson was once a first-timer to Shakespeare, too ... a lovely kind of torch-passing."

Caroline Malone, playing Olivia, marveled: "Meeting him was such an honor; I was understandably star-struck. But I was surprised, and impressed, about how kind and down-to-earth he was." ...

And Ken Leung, who is Miles Straume on "Lost," popped into a Saturday matinee of Manoa Valley Theatre's "Hair," just before the lights went down. He was not announced or introduced, but surely, the MVT crew was grateful he found his way to Mānoa. ...

FINAL CURTAIN: And oh, what fun was "Hair," filled with energy and nostalgia, with soaring voices in leading roles and amongst the tribe. Loved the belting of Sheila (Caroline Lawo), Claude (Kyle Malis) and Berger (Jaq Ryan Galliano) among the leads, and the wailing of tribers like Pomai Lopez. The show closed last night. ...

Diamond Head Theatre's confectionery cutie, "Shout! The Mod Musical," with its candy-colored costumes and melodies circa 1960s, is a total delight, thanks to an all-women ensemble identified only by hues they wear: Blue Girl (Tricia Marciel), Green Girl (Renee Noveck), Orange Girl (Zenia Zambrano Moura), Red Girl (Megan Mount) and Yellow Girl (Vanessa Manuel Mazzulo). Get immersed in a rainbow of memories via hits by Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, Cilla Black, Lulu, Mary Hopkins, Marianne Faithfull and The Seekers; the finale is at 4 p.m. today. ...

NAME-DROPPING: Citing irreconcilable differences, Grammy-winning singer Tia Carrere has filed for divorce from her photojournalist husband of seven years, Simon Wakelin. ...

Celebs pursuing recreational fun: Cher, the singer-actress, has been taking surfing lessons here. ... Will Smith was seen playing a round of golf in Hawai'i. ... John Stamos was doing some Island body-surfing. ...

Singer Alicia Keys enjoyed a casual Kaua'i visit. ...

Actors Jason Ritter ("Joan of Arcadia," "W") and Wes Ramsey ("Charmed," "Latter Days") satisfied their sushi cravings — twice — with an Early Bird trek to Sansei in Waikīkī last Monday, returning to the sushi bar on Tuesday. ...

THIS 'N' THAT: The Mana'o Trio will perform at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki's 20th anniversary gala, "Taste of Memories," from 5:30 to 9 p.m. April 20 in the Mauna Kea Ballroom. Chefs Gary Strehl and Alan Wong, among others, are planning the menu. Tickets: $150. Call 529-1706. ...

Mountain Apple's "Keola Beamer and Raiatea" (Helm, that is), due this month, pairs the two Grammy nominees and Nā Hōkū winners. Slack key kumu Beamer meets falsetto diva Helm — great match. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...