UNFULL MONTY: Tim Albrecht, in town from New York to guest-direct and choreograph Diamond Head Theatre's season opener, "The Full Monty," has had difficulty filling one of the six key roles. With the launching a month away, on Sept. 23, Albrecht still is searching — and hoping — someone will come forth to portray Noah "Horse" Simmons, the black character originally played by André De Shields in the Broadway original.

"The show has specific role requirements — we want someone in his late 30s to 50s — and the actor has one big song ('Big Black Man')," said Albrecht. "But it's always a challenge to fill this role." He and John Rampage, artistic director at DHT, have called prospects galore. "Everyone we contacted was either injured, working out of town, left the Islands, taking a cruise in the middle of the run," said Albrecht. "I don't think it was a matter of the final frosting on the cake," he said of the wee bit of nudity involved in the final curtain.

Meanwhile, the rest of the roles of blue-collar workers who find employment by stripping have been cast: Matthew Pennaz (Jerry), Andrew Doan (Dave), Christopher Obenchain (Malcolm), Brent Yoshikami (Ethan) and Howard Bishop (Harold).

Though rehearsals started last week, Albrecht said that a late-arriving Horse still can ease his way into the production, since scenes are segmented anyway. "Where are the black actors?" he wondered out loud. "We don't want to bring in someone." As a last resort, a dark-skinned type may be cast, though the show begs for a black male who can sing and do a little dancing. Anyone interested may reach Albrecht at DHT, 733-0277. ...

Melina Lillios will be musical conductor. ...

TRADE WINDS: Maui folks will have the rare opportunity to see Mel Cabang and Andy Bumatai on the same comedy bill, on Aug. 25 at Hapa's. Cabang is replacing Paul Ogata, who bowed out because of a conflict with his radio schedule. ...

Cabang, meanwhile, will also appear with Kaleo Pilanca, the Hawaiian Guy from Moloka'i, Mo Dixon, Elroy, Tony Reveira and Jode B. Sept. 4 at the Makaha Resort. ...

When she was in Los Angeles recently, Lyssa Chapman, daughter of Duane "Dog" Chapman, had a fun date with singer John Mayer, the Grammy-winning artist known for his "Daughters" hit. ...

Heading for Las Vegas in this weekend? Martin Nievera, an Island son, is doing a show themed "Unforgettable," at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Rio Pavilion at the Rio Hotel in Vegas. Jenevi is his guest star. ...

The Tam children have been home this summer. That would be Jason Tam, who starred in "Les Miserables" as a tyke (he's graduated from New York University); and sister Emily Tam, who's completed her studies at Carnegie Mellon. Emily will be part of the Honolulu Theatre for Youth this season, playing Piglet in "Winnie the Pooh" and the title role in "Mulan" at Tenney Theatre. ...

ITEMIZATIONS: Casting director Garrison True returned to Hollywood from a visit to Italy and learned that his pal, Robert Conrad, is a candidate for national presidency of the Screen actors Guild. With actress Connie Stevens on the slate as SAG secretary-treasurer, True has taken to calling it the "Hawaiian Eye" ticket, since both once co-starred in the Hawai'i-based Warner Bros. TV series "Hawaiian Eye," which preceded the likes of "Hawaii Five-O," "Magnum P.I." and "Lost." Conrad was Tom Lopaka and Stevens was Cricket Blake, remember? ...

Town, the new restaurant on Wai'alae Avenue, has been so busy that Beverly Noa was asking, "Is Thursday the new Friday?" Her son, Ed Kenney Jr., is Town's owner-chef. Recent diners included Burton White, the Hawai'i Theatre honcho, who was a first-timer. Also in the crowd: Dayna and Kapono Beamer and Rehab Hospital's Dr. Tom Au with his wife Cindy and daughter Maile. ...

DIAL TONES: Jacqueline "Honolulu Skylark" Rosetti has resigned from KHUI-FM 99.5, so the morning drive slot from 6 to 10 a.m. will be occupied by Tiny Tadani, who vacates KUMU-FM 94.7 starting next Monday. The station also is phasing out its nickname, "The Breeze," and will be dubbed "The Hui" hereafter, with the music format tweaked a bit to include more contemporary Hawaiian. Tadani topped a hui of radio names in contention. ...

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.