BACKSTAGE BITS: To prepare for their leading roles in Manoa Valley Theatre's "M. Butterfly," premiering tomorrow, Dwight Martin and Colin Miyamoto, portraying the French diplomat Rene Gallimard and the Chinese opera actress Song Liling, respectively, have undergone some physical transformations to add credibility to their roles.

Martin shed at least 15 pounds (despite the holiday feasting), though a bout with the flu may have helped; director Lyn Kajiwara Ackerman felt that the leaner look would be better because the character had been imprisoned. And Miyamoto let his hair grow to shoulder length to better project the beguiling and utterly female actress who had a relationship with Gallimard for two decades, with him not knowing that the actress was, indeed, an actor. Martin is MVT's producing director; Miyamoto last appeared in MVT's "Cabaret." ...

SIGHT 'EMS: Neil Patrick Harris, remembered for "Doogie Howser, M.D." but co-starring now as Barney on CBS' "How I Met Your Mother" sitcom, checked out the " 'Ulalena" show on Maui last week, even posing for photos with Ashlee Samis, operations manager of the show, and Kerri Aotaki, a sales and marketing manager. Harris loved the production. ...

Actress Jessica Alba ("Into the Blue") also sneaked into " 'Ulalena" after the lights went down, keeping a low profile. ...

Also on Maui, actress Jennifer Love Hewitt graced chef James McDonald's I'o and Pacific'O restaurants. Hewitt's mom enjoys seeing McDonald as much as eating the food. ...

When Houston Astros pitcher Andy Pettitte dined at Pacific'O, he was disappointed the Mac 'n' Cheese was off the menu, but chef McDonald was able to satisfy his craving. ...

Actor Seth Green (Barry on NBC's "Four Kings") took in the Paradise Cove lu'au show last week. ...

And Marcia Cross, of "Desperate Housewives," spent a Sunday eve with a gal pal at the Wonder Lounge. Diamond Head Grill GM Joey Gottesman said she sipped Veuve Clicquot and nibbled light fare. ...

Two "Lost" stars, Yunjin Kim and Emile de Ravin, found their way to the Chanel Fine Jewelry Boutique party the other night; the store is the chain's third in the world. ...

TRADE WINDS: Tony and Karen Ruivivar (he's the leader of the classic Society of Seven) spent a week at their Hawai'i Kai apartment, although Tony devoted nights to the Society of Seven Las Vegas (the Outrigger Waikiki headliners) rehearsing new material and working in newest member Mike De Guzman. The original SOS will return with Lani Misalucha to the Hawai'i Theatre for three performances, at 7:30 p.m. April 7 and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 8, a hana hou to their February 2005 sellouts. Tickets ($45, $55 and $65) go on sale at 9 a.m. Jan. 17 at the box office (528-0506) and online at www.hawaiitheatre.com. ...

The Makaha Sons are off to Japan and Italy, through Jan. 17, with their wives in tow. Presume they'll enjoy sashimi and pasta equally. Then it's off to Whittier College on Jan. 21, when Louis "Moon" Kauakahi, John Koko and Jerome Koko perform with Barry Kimokeo, Hoku Zuttermeister, Halau Keali'i 'O Nalani and hula soloist Jeri-Lynn Koko. First O'ahu gig for the Sons this year will be Jan. 26, when they appear at Chai's Island Bistro; those out La'ie way can catch them Jan. 27 at the fourth annual E Luana Kakou concert at the Polynesian Cultural Center. ...

There's been a run on red dresses in town because of the Honolulu Academy of Arts' Starlight Ball, "Red," set from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the facility's courtyards, galleries and Central Court. It's a benefit for the museum's children's program; the silent auction includes a set visit to "Lost." Call Lori Admiral at 532-6091 for reservations. ...

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.