Wayne Harada, Author at wayneharada.com

March 7, 2022March 7, 2022

SALESPERSON HONORS FOR MUFI AND CHA

Two prominent figures in the island’s hospitality industry will be saluted as Salespersons of the Year on April 28.

The honorees:

Mufi Hannemann, president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Assn.
Cha Thompson, co-founder of Tihati Productions.

The Sales and Marketing Executives, which annually hosts a luncheon event to tap one of the community’s top salesperson, this year is staging a double bill twosome because of the pandemic over the past two and a half years that put a pause on the award.

Hannemann is the

2019 year recipient, and Thompson is the 2021 winner.

This year’s event will be a dinner, and save-the-date postcards have been mailed to prospective attendees. However, an updated reminder will be issued, since the initial announcement of the SME winners contains outdated information; instead of the planned ‘Alohilani Resort, the event has been moved to the Sheraton Waikiki ballroom because of a larger audience.

The SME award is bestowed to a community member who has enhanced the image of Hawaii and is committed to uphold the quality of life in Hawaii.

Both honorees have extensive background and accomplishments in community endeavors, past and present, involving public service, volunteerism, and leadership.

Hannemann is a former mayor of Honolulu, serving two terms from 2005 to 2009, and is known as an executive and professional consultant with a penchant for improving the visitor experience in Hawaii. Honolulu-born and Harvard-educated, he has been an all-star athlete in football and basketball. A towering figure because of his height, Hannemann is a leader in the Samoan community with a keen understanding of both the political and business aspects due to his service in these fields.

Thompson, the self-proclaimed Queen of Kalihi, married her Farrington High School sweetheart, Jack Thompson, and they co-founded Tihati Productions more than 50 years ago. The Thompsons via Tihati Productions produces Polynesian productions statewide, providing authentic Polynesian shows that have become a cultural resource and amenity that have entertained visitors from all over the world. A full-time mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother, Thompson also is a hula dancer, businesswoman, sometimes actress, a former police commissioner and a steadfast supporter of the visitor industry. Afatia Thompson and Misty Thompson Tufono , son and daughter of Jack and Cha, now oversee Tihati. Information: info@smehonolulu.org …

Mom’s the word

Frank DeLima will star in a Mother’s Day comedy brunch show at 1 p.m. May 8 at Blue Note

Hawaii at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel. Doors open at 11 a.m. for brunch and drinks; menu items range from quiche to a luau plate, from biscuits and gravy to a musubi sampler with three dippings. Call (808) 777-4898 visit www.bluenotehawaii.com

Arashi anniversary film

Arashi, one of Japan’s boy band faves and now dissolved, will be seen on the big screen of the Hawaii Theatre.

The group’s “5×20 Film: Record of Memories” will be screened in a one-night-only concert attraction at 7 p.m. March 23 in Consolidated’s theaters at Ward Center, Kapolei, Kahala, Mililani and Pearlridge.

Arashi disbanded following the completion of the group’s s 5×20 anniversary tour. Its members include Masaki Aiba, Jun Matsumotoa, Kazunari Ninomiya, Satoshi Ohno and Sho Sakurai; the film was directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi.

Tickets will be available at each participating theater. …

And that’s Show Biz. …

March 6, 2022March 6, 2022

LIKE PRIMETIME BACK-T0-BACK TV?

Just asking…

Are you regular fans of network TV programming of back-to-back episodes on specific week nights?

Referring to procedurals that tackle crime and punishment, aid and rescue of the injured or ill, embracing car accidents, highrise fires or rampant drug-related crimes?

If so, which of these back-to-back shows do you like best?

Monday on CBS, two procedurals reign: the flagship “NCIS,” the Mark Harmon original, which this season precedes “NCIS: Hawai‘i,” the island-based spin-off. We watch, though miss Harmon (he’s retired, but his name and image appear in the opening titles), even though it’s no longer the hot show it was for much of its 19 seasons. The Monday scheduling is a wise lead-in to the Hawaii-shot spiff-off,.

Tuesday on CBS, a trio of investigative shows are intensive, savvy projects: “FBI,” “FBI Most Wanted,” and “FBI International.” Great casts, with some crossover moments; fresh, incisive scripts.

Wednesday on NBC, it’s must-see TV, the best of triple-threats set in the crime-heavy Chicago, and unbeatable in relevance and timeliness: “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.” are often gritty but grand, and the hospital setting unsettling but intriguing, the firefighting front and the police station daunting but challenging. The mix is the stuff of episodic drams: ER tension, smokey highrise, dangling vehicles over the river, and unexpected flying bullets or bombs bursting. Everyday drama never has been so visible and jammed with fictional stories that demonstrate and spotlight such emotional wallop. And, yes, giving first responders a positive image.

Thursday on NBC, law and order prevail: the original “Law and Order” favorite, Sam Waterson, is back and holding court in a reboot, and time will tell if it has staying power. “Law and Order SVU” still features Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson and remains a powerhouse hour that’s a whole lot better than the third entry, “Law and Order: Crime” which has Christoper Meloni’s Elliot Stabler attempting to get a handle to outlast and outpower his weekly antagonist.

Friday on CBS used to be the slot for the now-shuttered “Hawaii Five-0,” where “Magnum P.I,” the Jay Hernandez reboot shooting here, preceding the network’s popular “Blue Bloods,” which still stars Tom Selleck, the original Thomas Magnum.”

Incredibly, Dick Wolf is the creator and executive producer of all the “Law and Order” series, all the “Chicago” brands, and all the “FBI” titles, a credit few others can claim. Indeed, he’s the king of the best of the TV franchise shows.

And most of his trademark programss are in syndication, so reruns provide a world of entertaining dramas, on such venues as USA, iOn, We and a few other spots on your TV dial.

With so many heavyweights from the traditional networks, it’s tough to surf the streaming services of Netflix or Disney+ or Amazon Prime. The aforementioned series left the airwaves during the coverage of NBC’s “Winter OIympics,” but happily, regular programming has returned … though most series are approaching their finales for the season.

March 5, 2022March 5, 2022

‘MAMMA MIA!:’ GREEK EXPECTATIONS

‘MAMMA MIA!,” at the Joseph Rider Farrington Auditorium at Farrington High School, is fun and inspiring, brimming with love and loaded with character.

It ends a two-weekend run, with final shows at 7:30 p.m. today (Saturday, March 5) and 2 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday, March 6). Go if you can.

It’s a production lean on resources but keen on desire and pride. Led by director Miguel Cadoy III, a music teacher who also oversees an eight-member live orchestra, the show readily radiates and resonates with energy and purpose as, if you’ll pardon me, the adored Castle High School Performing Arts Center agenda launched by the late Ronald Bright, over the decades of his illustrious career. He was a mentor of Cadoy, who’s carrying on that spirit, planting seeds as he goes, but yes there are some rough edges here. No matter; “Mamma” exudes with personality and community vibes, indicative of the growth, acceptance and progress on this Kalihi campus.

Yo, Mamma! Many performers are first-timers to the FPAC stage, including Kaupali Aipoalani-Wong, who portrays Donna Sheridan (impressive, with a commanding voice and take-charge attitude), the mother who is the centrifugal force in this popular stage musical that has provided two films including a sequel.

However, its plot is razor-thin, involving daughter Sophie Sheridan (Janice Galiciano, also making her FPAC debut, and delightful with energy to spare), who is a bride-to-be who discovers mom’s diary containing info that one of three of her three suitors 20 years ago, just might be her dad. So natch, she secretly invites the daddy candidates to the Greek island site of the wedding, where all hell breaks loose.

The melodies are memorable pop and disco fodder composed by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus (with some tunes with Stig Anderson), the pillars of the ABBA discography and legacy, and yep, the urge to sing along and dance is constant. Infectious is the operative word.

Some critics of “Mamma Mia!” have been unnecessarily cruel, simply because the show is lightweight in character development but loaded with familiar songs generally described as a jukebox musical. But so what? Many know and can sing or hum along to such titles as “Dancing Queen,” “Super Trouper,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Money, Money, Money,” “Mamma Mia!.” Audiences are wholly engaged in the phenom of ABBA, and we all know this isn’t Rodgers and Hammerstein and the “Sound of Music.”

Thus, a review of this production has to include a mention of the devoted audience, dominantly Kalihi-centric (school peers, family and friends, constant cheering and applauding for a favored performer or song, extending howls and hoots normally restricted to super stars. You’d think Meryl Streep was onstage.

Then again, several cast members – like Keith Kryzzler Cabbab as Harry Bright, Bernielle Isidro as Bill Austin, and Isaac Liu as Sam Carmichael, the trio of the possible father – generate isolated hurrahs for their musical numbers. That they have this kind of rapport and trust of spectators is amazing.

It’s a joy to spot budding talent in the lineup. Like Axle Munoz, as Eddie, an eighth grader at Kalakaua Middle School down the street from Farrington. He’s a charmer and focused in his supporting role, but displays dancing as well acting skills. You’ll recognize him, since he’s the shortest in the cast, and you’ll recognize his ability and agility, the kind of esprit that will enable him continue to grow and lead to major roles as he matures.

As a production staged in the era of the pandemic, it’s also worthy to note that the cast has a challenging accessory while on stage: the face mask. Everyone wears a plastic mask, clearly a safety measure, but this provides another layer of safety for all. From the audience, there’s another reaction: the plastic masks often reflect a shiny brightness due to the stage lighting.

It’s possible this is the first all-masked cast on any stage. So bravo, FPACers, for being pacemakers.

Justin Garde is musical director of the ork, located centerstage in the back, and yes, live is better than pre-recorded tracks, so give the company a bonus point. Aubrey Lee Staley is choreographer, with the arduous task to make non-dancers dance. Costumes by Nadia Amian, Rachelle Ramirez and Jade Glover reflect Hawaii on occasion (think surfing shorts) and the ABBA-style gear (scalloped bell bottoms, oversized capes); slim budgeting disallows more of the kind of elegant and vintage costumes inspired by the Swedish group.

The set – two structures with stucco-style Mediterranean architecture — provide a warm suggestion of sun-kissed Greece. And it works, though shuffling a bed on and off stage is no easy chore. These are minor issues considering the outpouring of joy from the stage and the aloha extending to the stage, even from way up in the back of the auditorium.

Facemasks are required and usual admission protocols remain; vaccination cards and picture ID. Seating is assigned as you enter, with social distancing spacing.

Tickets: $10 adults, $5 students 5 to 17, $3 Farrington students with ID; available at the door at showtime or in advance at SHOWTIX4U.COM

And that’s Show Biz. …

March 4, 2022March 4, 2022

M & M: SURPRISINGLY SWEET TWINBILL

That Martin Nievera/Michael Paulo concert last night (March 3) at the Ala Moana by Mantra’s Hibiscus Ballroom, was a surprisingly sweet double bill of two locals who previously had never performed together on the same stage.

One exudes sexiness and charm, in his ballads; the other is all about the sax, a hoot of a tooter.

The pair have common backgrounds. Nievera is the son of Roberto Nievera, the late featured balladeer with the Society of Seven, and is Manila-born and Hawaii-raised. Paulo is an island native, the son of a singing mom and pianist dad who were known as Rene and Akemi Paulo in their heyday; his siblings are performers, too, and Paulo’s smooth jazz and pop riffs were part of the Kalapana legacy.

Incredibly, the twain never met till now. Nievera etched a career as the “concert king of the Philippines,” as a singer and TV host, and Paulo as a renowned jazz musician focused on his awesome saxophone tooting.

Clearly, this M&M union won’t be the last.

Martin Nievera and Michael Paulo: A surprising sweet M&M collaboration.

The sellout Ala Moana gig seemed to bring out each artist’s best. Nievera has always been a crooner of a tuner, like his dad, creating an imprint of love ballads mixed with slightly upbeat originals rendered in English and Filipino, signaling his wide international following. Paulo never sings a note, but sax’s the thing for him; his fingers work magic with the instrument, which emits eloquent sentiments without the arc of traditional language, but a vocabulary that reflects a variety of moods. He also is mobile and magical, traipsing through the crowd, never missing a note.

How the pair would share the stage was the question.

So: Paulo offered a nearly hour-long set of jolting, expressive jazz tunes, incorporating his unique brand of hip-hopping prancing choreography, reflecting his joy and savvy in sax-speak, to coin a term; and he even jumped onto a table to show his socko involving power as an unrivaled risk-taker.

After an intermission, Paulo’s musicians became the house band for Nievera.

Nievera is never known to disappoint; he is witty, playful, inventive and totally in control, belting out the familiar like “Corner of the Sky” and “I Love You More Today Than Yesterday,”

with confidence and charm. He adores adulation, and always makes an impression, this time jumping off stage to parade amidst the fans, utilizing a Plexiglas frame to suggest pandemic protocols. Unconventional, but a thrill for the audience.

One of the sweetly satisfying but unexpected duet was on Al Jarreau’s signature tune, “Mornin’,” with Nievera providing the voice and Paulo emoting the saxophone riffs, recalling the era when he was a sideman in Jarreau’s band. The sax accompaniment was otherwise sparing, thus effective.

Nievera, a composer when he’s not singing, shared two touching originals that showcased the depth and breadth of his sentiments. “Sacrifice,” inspired by the frontliners (first responders, hospital workers), reflected the themes of service and oneness – “we’re in it together,” as one phrase suggested. The other sentimental journey, “I’m Be There for You,” promised attention and love for the singer’s three sons, two in their 30s and making their niches in life, the third age 15 with special needs.

Clearly, Nievera has matured over the decades, and realizes he is a veteran and a likely role model for future wannabes. After all, he will mark his 40^th year next July 5 as an entertainer; to anticipate the upcoming milestone, he did a reflective medlley that collated the memorable “Be My Lady” and “You Are My Song,” signatures in his repertoire.

Paulo’s sizzling band included Tateng Katindig, keyboards; Johnny Valentine, electric guitar; David Inamine, bass; Michael Grande, keyboards; Garin Poliahu, drums. For his segments, Nievera tapped two backup female singers and a trio comprising a horn section (sorry, identities unknown).

The M&M bill attracted quite a celebrity crowd, including former Governor Ben Cayetano and gubernatorial candidate Vicky Cayetano, Ginny Tiu, Jack and Cha Thompson, Danny Kaleikini, Melveen Leed, Augie Tulba, Emme Tomimbang, and the aforementioned Paulo parents.

Technically speaking, the lighting was erratic, lacking brightness for much of the evening, and the audio occasionally was uncomfortably louder than necessary.

March 1, 2022March 1, 2022

CHATTER PLENTIFUL IN NCIS WORLD

There’s a swirl of rumors – some true, some likely mere chatter for now – in the “NCIS” universe.

The first, in the “NCIS: Hawai‘i” brand, is that a crossover plan with the original mothership show, “NCIS,” still is in the works, with an episode to be filmed in Hawaii with two guest stars from the original show, coming here to paradise. For a brief spell, three players were to participate.

Wilbur Valderama, portraying Nick Torres, and Katrina Law, playing Jessie Knight, were the first two named for the crossover to solve crimes with Vanessa Lachey, who is NCIS brand’s lone woman boss, Jane Tennant. The duo’s still awaiting the assignment in Hawaii.

A third actor, Brian Dietzen, who is medical examiner Jimmy Palmer, was later added on a short list of guest actors…but the brakes were put on his guest gig. Could happen later, if the Hawaii show lands an anticipated second-season order as expected, but in the meantime, Dietzen can unpack his bag and wait out the decision.

With little fanfare, CBS announced the formation of “NCIS: Australia,” planned for the 2023 season, likely to be led by the Hawaii showrunners, Christopher Silber and Jan Nash, who came over here from the “NCIS: New Orleans” hierarchy, triggering the latest buzz that Scott Bakula , who played Dwayne Pride in the Big Easy show, might be a logical choice to honcho the show in Sydney, since the N.O. project received an undeserved pink slip.

However, the news about the Down Under spin-off, timetable unknown, fueled more buzz that Cote de Pablo might also come out of the shadows, to reprise agent Ziva David, from the original Mark Harmon production.

Neither the Bakula/Pride nor the de Pablo/David situations have been properly confirmed. Thus, we might as well toss in another viewer-oriented queary: Since Michael Weatherly, who played Tony DiNozzo opposite the David character (they had great chemistry, the best between two investigators in the franchise’s history), now is unemployed and available since his “Bull” series has been canceled, could he be considered for the Aussie team. too? Just thinking. …

Clublicity

Air Supply, featuring Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock, will return to Blue Note Hawaii in a two-night stand and another three-show gig, at 8 p.m. March 8 and 9 and again March 11 to 13. Doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner and beverage service.. Ticket prices vary: for March 8 and 9, $145 premium, $90 for loge seating and bar zone; for March 11 to 13, $165 and $115 for the parallel seating. …

Streetlight Cadence also return to the Blue Note, at 6:30 and 9 p.m. March 20. Doors open a 5 p.m. and at 8:30 p.m. Tickers: $35 premium, $12 loge and bar zones. …

And that’s Show Biz. …