WHEE, THE PEOPLE: New York actor-dancer Richard Vida, who had become a frequent Island visitor, had to abandon plans to plant roots here. The vet of Broadway shows such as "42nd Street" and "Les Miserables" had planned to join the offices of Honolulu PR maven Lisa Josephsohn, but upon arrival recently, he got word from his agent that he had been cast as George in the North American touring company of "The Drowsy Chaperone," last season's musical hit.

Co-produced by former Islander Kevin McCollum, whose other successes include "Avenue Q" and "Rent," the show will hit cities such as Toronto; Vancouver, British Columbia; Los Angeles; Atlanta; Boston; Cleveland; and more, beginning in September. Also in the "Chaperone" touring cast: former Islander Georgia Engel (who was also in the original production).

Over dinner one night at Ruth's Chris Steak House at Waikiki Beach Walk, Vida told pals, including Patty and Eddie Sherman, that a Tony Award-winning show of this calibre offers many extras; "they even make my tap shoes just for me."

One trivia note Vida also shared: He was one of the ghostly dancers in Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video. ...

PERSONALITIES: Weldon Kekauoha's latest CD, "Ka Lehua Ula," is getting great response from fans. But what really got the singer stoked is an e-mail from his idol, Keali'i Reichel, who said he loved the music so much, he could not stop listening to it. To Kekauoha, it was like winning a Hoku Award. "The ultimate compliment," said Kekauoha, "is to get one from someone you admire." ...

There's a happy ending after all: Kumu hula Mapuana de Silva got ripped off in early June while the family was having dinner; a thief stole her purse with the usual stuff — ID, credit cards, cell phone, cash, keys to car and home. "But because I had just come home from hula, my Hawaiian bracelet was also in my purse," de Silva wrote in an e-mail.

Turns out she got the precious bracelet back last Thursday, although further details about the theft could not be revealed because police are still investigating.

"I am humbled by the help I received, the wishes and love I received, and the numerous e-mails, phone calls, and notes," she wrote in a later e-mail.

The Brothers Cazimero will kokua Jack Law and help Hula's Bar & Lei Stand mark its 33rd anniversary with a performance July 12 at the Kapahulu Avenue club. ...

Cathy Foy Mahi joined Danny Couch in a duet of the "Hawaiian Wedding Song" at the Ainahau showroom of the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotel. Ramona Harris, spouse of former mayor Jeremy, was there celebrating her birthday, so Foy Mahi offered "Hanalei Moon," with Ramona getting on stage to hula. ...

It's true: Singer Martin Nievera's show at the former Aladdin hotel in Las Vegas is pau, now that Planet Hollywood has taken over the facility. ...

THE LOCAL ANGLE: Kit Samson again will provide music for the post-awards party at this year's 'Ilima Awards, which will be held Oct. 8 at Diamond Head Theatre. He thinks this will mark his 10th season with the fundraiser for DHT, linked to The Advertiser's restaurant choices based on reader votes. Voting starts shortly. ...

Joy Abbott's "For All We Know" CD, with keyboarder Betty Loo Taylor, is due for release soon. She's back from an extended vacation, but had back surgery, and had been wrestling with a back brace upon return home. A concert has been in the works, so stay tuned for details. ...

Glenn Mayeda Jr. of Pilioha said the group's CD is being readied for repackaging for the Japan market, with a July 18 release by Pony Canon Records. The CD will feature a bonus — "I'll Remember You," a track produced by Dave Tucciarone — that is a tribute to the late Don Ho. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...

Wayne Harada is on vacation but prepared this column before his departure. The next Show Biz column will be on July 10.

Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8055.