Performers and colleagues she befriended and promoted will assemble to pay homage to the late publicist Elissa Josephsohn in a tribute called "A Hard Act to Follow," Oct. 25 at the Hawai'i Theatre.

Josephsohn, who promoted Broadway shows, Island theatricals and restaurants here and was a lifelong patron and advocate of the performing arts, died of ovarian cancer on Aug. 20 at age 60.

Two theatrical friends — Broadway actor Richard Vida and Hawai'i Theatre general manager and artistic director Burton White — are mounting a show they hope Josephsohn would have loved — "fast paced, high energy, filled with amazing talent both adult and youthful," said Vida.

"All the performers loved and were loved by Lisa and they have chosen numbers with special meaning for her. We hope our celebration in song and dance will evoke her 'larger than life' spirit," Vida said.

It's precisely the kind of a hoopla Josephsohn would have publicized and planned for others in her lifetime.

The select roster represents a cross-section of the community of performers, tweaked to provide a mirror of all that Josephsohn adored — stage, ballet, music, kiddie talent — and mentored in her 30-plus career as a Honolulu publicist.

The performing slate includes:

• Army Community Theatre, offering a number of "Curtains."

• Ballet Hawaii, performing variations from the ballet "Cats."

• Don Conover, playing "Another Opening, Another Show," on the theater's Morton organ.

• Cathy Foy, presenting a selection from "Mamma Mia!"

• Dita Holifield, country singer.

• Shari Lynn, performing "Before the Parade Passes By."

• Guy Merola, baritone noted for his community theater, opera and the "Merry Christmas With Friends and Nabors" show.

• Rex Nockengust, former New York and Hawai'i entertainer, rendering "What I Did for Love."

• The Shooting Stars, the youth ensemble from Diamond Head Theatre.

• Jade Stice and Matthew Pedersen, Hawai'i residents from Broadway's original "Miss Saigon" cast.

• Richard Vida, Broadway singer-actor, singing "Change in Me."

Others may be added by showtime.

There will be anecdotal recollections by friends and colleagues, with additional tributes via video, including one produced in Paris by Onofrio Colucci, a clown from "Slava's Snowshow" who also appeared in Cirque du Soleil shows, and New York theater folks who were clients of the publicist.

Michael W. Perry and Larry Price, KSSK morning radio co-hosts, will emcee.

Admission is free and there are no reserved seats. Donations to the Kapi'olani Health Foundation are suggested, and will be used to support services to women who are cancer patients.