STAR WATCH: George Lucas, the creative genius behind the "Star Wars" films, has been on an Island R&R with his wife and two children, quietly enjoying a stay at the Hilton Waikoloa Village resort on the Big Island. The family had a teppanyaki dinner at Imari's (got in after a second try because reservations were earlier unavailable). Lucas selected New York steak and shrimp for his entree. His vision — his force — still is with us. ...

HOT TIME: When the Hawaii Opera Theatre's "Madama Butterfly" premieres Friday at Blaisdell Concert Hall, expect to see and hear a number of local singers. Established and budding artists, largely from the University of Hawai'i-Manoa's Music Department and HOT's Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio, will be in the performing 'ohana, alongside homegrown alums like Quinn Kelsey and Jeremy Blossy, who have successful careers nationally. The other locals include Erik Haines, John Mount, Kawika McGuire, Allyson Paris, Winnie So, Megan Mount and Chiho Villasenor. HOT executive director Karen Tiller brings the local talent full circle as stage director. The local connection extends to Yun Deng, appearing as Suzuki; her sister, Wanda Tse, is president of the Honolulu Chinese Chamber of Commerce. ...

AROUND 'N' ABOUT: At the Holokai Grill's grand opening party, from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Embassy Suites at the Waikiki Beachwalk Project, there'll be top-tier entertainment, with Pali performing from 5 to 6 p.m., Melveen Leed from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and The Ka'ala Boys from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. It's a Waikiki Community Center benefit, with $25 tickets including food, beer and wine. Call 923-1802. ...

With "Hawaii Five-O" coming out on DVD March 6, the Ilikai hotel will roll out the red carpet to welcome the first season compilation and kick off the hotel's $40 million makeover, with a "Five-O" to-do on March 9. Ilikai owner Brian Anderson, son of D.G. Andy Anderson, thought it apropos to pay tribute to the series, its star Jack Lord and the hotel, since the opening sequence (ingrained on locals' brains) was shot on an Ilikai balcony. Folks who had recurring roles or several guest roles will be there, including Al Harrington, Harry Endo, Kimo Kahoano, Carole Kai, Kwan Hi Lim, Doug Mossman and Eddie Sherman. Chris Lee, a Hollywood player from way back, will recall the pioneering efforts of "Five-O," and casting director Margaret Doversola, who was a secretary to Lord, will also be present. Local entertainers Tani Lynn Fujimoto and Jordan Segundo will participate, and TV producer-host Emme Tomimbang, whose footage is part of the CBS-TV package, will co-host with Kahoano. ...

Eddie Sherman, the retired columnist and recent author, marked his "39th" birthday — don't ask how many times — with a lunch at Romano's Macaroni Grill at Ala Moana Center, and the celebration had a special Happy Birthday crooner in Jim Nabors, who also hangs out at the grill. Then again, we bumped into Nabors at Hoku's at the Kahala Hotel & Resort, where he was hosting his visiting sister. ...

When Hatebreed takes the Pipeline Cafe stage March 11, opening acts will be Crucible and 8mm Overdose. ...

RANDOM NOTES: It was quite a fling when Sylvia Sophia Marie Buck, daughter of Meghan Goldman and David Buck, marked her first birthday at The Royal Hawaiian hotel's Monarch Room. Pink prevailed, from topiary centerpieces to balloons and blooms, befitting the Pink Palace. Kalaeloa entertained, a keiki buffet offered hot dogs, pizza, grilled cheese sandwiches, make-your-own sundaes for the wee set, and 50 kids heard Kit Samson play on keyboards while Channing Weir made like "Annie" with Madison Eror decked out as Belle, as in "Beauty and the Beast." Leslie Goldman, aunt of the birthday girl, shared her operatic pipes, as the Buck clan, including grandparents Sally and Donald Parker, watched proudly. ...

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.