Following entertainment publicist Elissa Josephsohn’s death on Thursday, after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer, a tribute gala has been scheduled for Oct. 25 at the Hawaii Theatre, where Josephsohn promoted many successful performances.
Josephsohn’s friends, Broadway performer Richard Vida and Hawaii Theatre artistic director Burton White, will produce “A Hard Act to Follow,” 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. Seating will be first-come, first served, and no reservations are required.
KSSK Morning Show hosts Micheal Perry and Larry Price will emcee.
“We loved Lisa both personally and professionally,” Perry said, in a press release. “When she called us, it was always with someone wonderful to put on air.”
Added Price, “I mean, who could turn down a terrific local guest or the stars of the shows Lisa brought to Hawaii — ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ ‘Cats,’ ‘Les Miz’ or ‘Mamma Mia.’ And when Lisa showed up with her guests, she always arrived with coffee and donuts for our entire staff.”
“She made everything she did so much fun. She literally is irreplaceable,” Perry said. “It is Larry and my absolute honor to emcee this celebration.”
Today and tomorrow, August 24-25, the marquee at the Hawaii Theatre is dim except for Josephsohn’s name and dates of birth and death, in her honor.
Vida and White envision the show as a multimedia spectacle. Video and audio tributes are welcomed. These may be sent to Hawaii Theatre, 1130 Bethel St., Honolulu, HI 96813 or via email to: Burtonwhite@hawaiitheatre.rr.com.