Cha Thompson and a Tihati Productions crew will be off to India on Sunday to seal a deal to stage a Polynesian revue at a seven-star Sheraton resort at Goa on the western coast of India. "It's a new market for Tihati," said Thompson. "With business down in Hawai'i, we're looking elsewhere." The show in December will evolve into a year-long contract next year and the global reach for the Honolulu-based production company is an opportunity to broaden its brand in a virgin market — much like the show Thompson staged in Thailand with trained Thai performers some years back. ...

Also trekking to foreign ports, but not till next summer: Saint Louis School director Kyle Kakuno and his "Rent" cast, to participate in the Edinburgh Festival Aug. 4-17, with rehearsals starting in June. Consequently, Kakuno is recasting some roles, so if interested, call him at 739-4886 for specifics. Meanwhile, Kakuno is holding auditions for his next musical, "Grease," from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Mamiya Theatre; "Rent" prospects may show up, too. "Grease" rehearsals start in January for a March launch. Prepare two contrasting songs — one upbeat, the other a ballad — and bring sheet music (accompanist will be provided). ...

HERE 'N' THERE: Kaitlyn Kiyan, the Islander who is part of the "Hair" tribe returning to the Broadway show front, will participate with her fellow cast members in Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Perhaps the crew can sing "Let the Sunshine In" to ramp up the heat in New York's chilly season. ...

Remember Ian Somerhalder, formerly of "Lost"? He will be seen on "Lost City Raiders," which stars James Brolin, on the Sci-Fi network this Saturday. ...

And speaking of "Lost," which won't be seen till its Jan. 21 Season 5 premiere on ABC, there will be a newbie aboard: Reiko Aylesworth, introduced in a flashback as Amy, a recurring role. ...

"Songwriters & Storytellers," which celebrates the artistry of storytellers and composers Rodgers & Hart, will unite brothers Robert Pennybacker on vocals and John Kolivas on bass, joined by Shoji Ledward on guitar, at 7 p.m. today at the Wo International Center at Punahou School. It's free. ...

The Travel Channel's Samantha Brown was spotted among the Kona coffee fields recently on the Big Island for taping of her "Passports to Great Weekends" show. The crew also filmed segments of the Kona Village lu'au show, and Brown got a hula lesson from the halau at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort. And Brown took in the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, too. ...

SEEN 'N' HEARD: Liz Damon, Las Vegas-based singer still remembered for her Liz Damon & the Orient Express group (thanks to "1900 Yesterday"), has been home visiting family and friends. She performed at Kaipo Adachi's 50th birthday celebration, doing karaoke, at Palolo Hongwanji Mission. Lynn Nakamura Shiroma of Krazy Karaoke success was there; ditto, Les Hee, who revived his Elvis impersonation. ...

Roger Jellinek and wife Eden-Lee Murray caught "Frost/Nixon" at Manoa Valley Theatre last week, and Jellinek, who honchos the Hawaii Book & Music Fair, happens to be an old school chum of the real David Frost, and knew him well. Of the MVT mounting, Jellinek said: "Ned Van Zandt nails Frost." ...

Maybe it's true what they say about Shakespeare's "Macbeth," now in production at Kennedy Theatre. Affectionately dubbed Mac-B or The Scottish Play, actors supposedly feel the piece is cursed, and the word backstage is that not a word is uttered within the theater except within the context of the play. That said, somebody might have broken the rule, because pre-opening mishaps mysteriously occurred when a cast member suffered a torn ligament and a potentially disastrous fire was quickly averted thanks to a savvy crew member. ...

WAIKIKI WHISPERS: With the queasy economy, rumors are rampant about this 'n' that closing. Like the one about Nobu Waikiki shutting down. Not true. "We don't know where the rumor that Nobu Waikiki is 'closing' started, but it is completely false. We're very happy to be in Waikiki and looking forward to a great holiday season and a prosperous 2009," said Richard Notar, managing partner of Nobu Restaurants. ...

And this one's true: After 30-odd years, Momoyama at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotel closed last night, a victim of the struggling visitor market. There is talk, however, that its signature chicken karaage might be retained as part of the hotel's Pikake Terrace. ...

STILL IN LIMBO: the fate of Level 4 as a showroom to replace "Waikiki nei," the technology-heavy production. Efforts are under way to secure a show or concept for a relaunch. ...

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.