Author: Wayne Harada

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4-22-22 DAY TO SALUTE FRANK DELIMA

Today (Friday, April 22) is 4-22-22 Day, when the Legislature will honor comedian Frank DeLima.

It’s a delayed salute – the spotlight was to shine on him on 2-22-22 (Feb. 22, 2022) — but better late than never.

So: Twice today — at 11:30  a.m. in the House  and at noon in the Senate – a “Frank DeLima Day” proclamation will prevail.

“I’m making an appearance in the galleries of the Legislature,” said DeLima, known for his comedic shtick saluting local ethnicities including Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Filipino and other strains. He won’t be staging a formal show, but expect some bursts of his local-style comedy.

Frank DeLima

The 4-22-22 numbers would be more obvious, if you add a final 22 to the lineup. That would represent TheCab’s phone number and recall DeLima’s hilarious commercials for the cabbie company.

Sen. Brian Taniguchi, a veteran legislator who serves the community where DeLima grew up and still lives, instigated the recognition for DeLima.  The “tutus” (think kupuna, or 22s) in the TV spot have enriched TheCab’s special brand. Harry Higa, president and CEO of TheCab, might also make an appearance, according to  DeLima.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has limited his public performances, DeLima will present a Mother’s Day brunch event at 1 p.m. May 8 at Blue Note Hawaii, located in the Outrigger Waikiki resort.  He also is finalizing appearances for next year’s academic school visits throughout the state. …

Waimanalo site for Pahinui Kanikapila

The memories of Cyril Pahinui will live on with 15th annual Waimanalo Kanikapila, an eight-hour event slated to begin at 8 a.m.tomorrow  (April 23) at Waimanalo Beach Park.

Cyril Pahinui

The kanikapila will not only salute its late founder but also his revered father, the world-famous Gabby  Pahinui, with musical notables – not yet named – among the lineup.

Though pandemic protocols have been relaxed, the outdoor show will be a live-stream event, presented by Na‘alehu Theatre, a non-profit organization. A link has not yet been provided.

During the day, the annual Skylark Award will be presented and among the haps will be a “How Da Stew” segment. The goal is to mark the day with “everything Waimanlo.

There is no fee to tune in virtually; the sponsors say that T-shirts sales and donations underwrite the costs.

Information: www.naalehutheatre.org  …

Circus heading to hardtop

Coming to the hardtop that is the Blaisdell Arena: the Super American Circus, produced by

Cornell “Tuffy,” Nicholas, who comes from a family with extensive circus credits and experience.

The one-ring circus has been on a Neighbor Island tour, but lands at Blasidell with performances April 29, 30 and May 1.

In true circus tradition, the lineup will includes thriller up in the air and on the ground.

Among the attractions:

  • Dominguez Stunt Team, with a Globe of Death daredevil showcase with motorcyles in a cage.
  • Rebekah Cavinder, an aerialist who hangs by her hair up there.
  • Aidan Bryant, from TV’s “America’s Got Talent.”
  • Ksomonvats, performing acrobatics on a bar.
  • Cristina Hol and Alexander Knapp, aka Bing Bang Boom Circus, rendering action-based juggling stunts.
  • Jordan Segundo, a former “American Idol’ finalist, former broadcast journalist formerly on KITV and now on Sacramento’s CBS13.

Performances are at 5 and 8 p.m. April 29; at 1, 4 and 7:30 p.m. April 30; and at 1, 4 and 7:30 p.m. May 1.

Ticket prices vary, depending on seating location; family passes and VIP ringside seats are available at www.Superamericancircus.com, www.ticketmaster.com and at the Blaisdell box office. …

And that’s Show Biz. …

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2 JUDASES TO CLOSE OUT ‘SUPERSTAR’

Here’s an update on the status of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” heading into its final weekend of performances. Just so you know, there will be two Judases!

There’s a logical Plan A, Plan B and Plan C  in place, which sounds like a win-win situation regarding the role of Judas Iscariot. To backtrack: Taj Gutierrez was ill last week and last Friday was his last performance, with show cancellations looming. But Miguel Cadoy III was tapped to substitute, and did so, at last Saturday night’s show as well as last Sunday’s matinee.

So for the finale, a three-pronged schedule exists:

Plan A: “It’s been confirmed that Miguel will go on Friday night and Saturday afternoon,” said musical conductor Roslyn Catracchia, whose idea it was to invite Cadoy to fill the unexpected vacancy.

Plan B: Gutierrez, who has recovered from his voice problems, will resume his performance Saturday night.

Plan C: Gutierrez is scheduled to close out the run at Sunday’s matinee, but if he’s unable to do it, Cadoy is on standby to take his curtain call, if necessary.

Taj Gutierrez: He’ll be back as Judas in “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

The emergency of unexpected illness has fueled cheers for Gutierrez and Cadoy alike. First, Gutierrez was not hospitalized, as earlier reported, but did get ER attention, and has had time to recover and save his voice, so to speak. “Right off the bat, I want to extend a giant thank you to Miguel for stepping in for me,” he said. “It takes an incredibly skilled performer to jump in head first the way he did. Thank you and BRAVO to you, sir,” Gutierrez said in an email to Cadoy.

Miguel Cadoy III

“Over the last few days, I’ve been showered with love and support from the cast, crew and creative team of JCS, and it has healed my voice and soul,” said Gutierrez. “The theater ‘ohana in Hawaii is such a powerful force, and I feel so lucky to be accepted and supported by it.”

Indeed, cast-wide prayers and get-well shout-outs have enabled him to speed up his wellness.

And audiences who experienced Cadoy in his pivotal decision to take on Judas with iPad in hand at the last moment, also have expressed  hoots and hurrahs for jumping in, so it seems prudent that he hangs around Sunday, even if his services are not needed, to share the final curtain call. …

Broadway grosses, week ending. April 17

The leaders of the pack are:  No.1, “The Music Man;” No. 2, “The Lion King;” and  No. 3, “Hamilton.”

The chart, in alphabetical order:

Show NameGrossGrossTotalAttn Capacity%Capacity
A STRANGE LOOP$202,402.502,7563,68874.73%
ALADDIN$1,737,855.4815,04915,54396.82%
AMERICAN BUFFALO$543,713.905,7336,00895.42%
BEETLEJUICE$1,457,718.0010,72911,21495.68%
BIRTHDAY CANDLES$302,958.005,1125,81687.90%
CHICAGO$829,219.428,0338,64092.97%
COME FROM AWAY$588,164.466,6878,36879.91%
COMPANY$691,727.846,3108,36875.41%
DEAR EVAN HANSEN$758,577.606,6627,87284.63%
FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE / WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF$130,359.343,7716,18460.98%
FUNNY GIRL$1,415,085.509,7609,752100.08%
HADESTOWN$1,044,339.407,3047,34499.46%
HAMILTON$2,453,319.0010,63810,592100.43%
HANGMEN$209,195.103,3544,81269.70%
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD$1,964,665.0012,81812,97698.78%
HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE$237,890.004,3025,09684.42%
MACBETH$1,170,012.576,2836,30699.64%
MJ THE MUSICAL$1,462,484.2010,84111,09697.70%
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL$1,468,216.8010,11910,40097.30%
MR. SATURDAY NIGHT$652,920.005,4748,33765.66%
MRS. DOUBTFIRE$528,807.005,8876,20494.89%
PLAZA SUITE$917,819.004,5094,87592.49%
POTUS: OR, BEHIND EVERY GREAT DUMBASS ARE SEVEN WOMEN TRYING TO KEEP HIM ALIVE$152,727.003,4675,80459.73%
SIX$1,357,276.008,1568,24898.88%
TAKE ME OUT$397,313.354,2124,68090.00%
THE BOOK OF MORMON$1,134,628.708,3808,52898.26%
THE LION KING$2,560,960.0015,15215,26499.27%
THE LITTLE PRINCE$373,831.006,70411,85656.55%
THE MINUTES$304,074.004,5445,33685.16%
THE MUSIC MAN$3,328,253.0812,12612,20099.39%
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA$1,073,263.2010,00912,84077.95%
THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH$138,610.003,8428,46445.39%
TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL$826,820.507,16411,82460.59%
WICKED$2,314,088.0015,94816,26398.06%

 And that’s Show Biz. …

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JACKIE: ‘WIND BENEATH MY WINGS’

John “Jackie” Gilbert Farias, husband of entertainer Karen Keawehawaii, died April 5 at Queen’s Medical Center. He was 75, born Oct. 31, 1946.

The couple met when he was a bartender at the Kahala Hilton, where she was singing with the Laughing Kahunas group.

“Jackie was always content to be in the shadows,” said Keawehawaii. “When we met, I was performing; when we married, he encouraged me to continue; he even managed my career.

“When our family grew, he stayed home with the babies as I went out to perform. He was the wind beneath my wings,” she said.

Jackie Farias

Farias had multiple health issues and was in and out of the hospital a few times, before his passing, said Keawehawaii.

As a steadfast supporter of her entertainment career, he often oversaw light and sound support as her gigs flourished in her heyday as a showroom lark.

Farias was a career bartender, spending much of his tenure at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, where he tended bar for 35 years, retiring in March 2009.

Over the decades, he also was known as the assembler of the Farias’ family’s Christmas inflatables in the front yard of their Wilhelmina Rise home. He erected then disassembled the decorations annually, appealing to drive-by holiday spectators.

Farias also was a stellar baker, preparing and baking holiday gift cakes for a long list of recipients.

Besides Keawehawaii, he  is survived by four daughters, Tracie K. (Keawe) Lopes, Stacie K. Farias, Winona K. Farias and Melody K. (Francis) Wheeler.

Mo‘opuna include Pi‘ikea Lopes, Ka‘onohi Lopes, Haweo Lopes, Acacia K. Wheeler, Kenshin John Wheeler and Henna K. Wheeler.

He was the youngest of several siblings, who preceded him in death.

A celebration of life will be held May 22 at Hawaiian Memorial Park in Kaneohe, with visitation from 1 p.m. followed by services at 2:30 p.m. …

Come what May (Day)

Robert Cazimero

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii, and May 1 will offer options this year.

Hawaiian Airlines is the title sponsor of this year’s Hawaiian celebration, at 7 p.m. May 1 at the Bishop Museum.

Keauhou and Robert Cazimero will headline this one, with Cazimero’s Halau Na Kamalei O Likolehua participating, along with Kainani Kahaunaele, Mamalei Kawaa and several hula halau.

Kahuli Leo L‘a, a non-profit led by Keauhou’s Zachary Lum, is assembling a number of halau performances of island mele, hula and mo‘olelo, “to advance our philosophy of ‘aina to our visitors,” he said. “We must not forget to maintain aloha ‘aina within our communities.”

Kalani Pe’a

Billy V will emcee …

Kalani Pe‘a, fresh from his recent Grammy victory, will headline a Lei Day concert at 2 p.m. May 1 at the Hawaii Theatre. His cast will include Ho‘okena, Keilana, Hoku Zuttermeister and Hula Halau O Kamuela. Mele Apana will host. ..

The beat goes on

Henry Kapono will perform at the 19th Annual Pure Aloha Festival and Concert, at 7:30 p.m. April 23 at Craig Ranch Regional Park, in North Las Vegas, Nev.

Closer to home, he stages another pair of Artist 2 Artist shows at Blue Note Hawaii, at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel. The earlier announced gig with the Makaha Sons will be staged April 29 and another with Ledward Kaapana has been announced for May 22.

Meantime, his star-studded summer “Home in the Islands” postponed concert has been rescheduled for 6 to 10 p.m. June 18 at the Tom Moffatt Waikiki Shell, and the early announced roster of island participants will also include Kimie Miner, Ana Vee, Tavana, Kala ‘e Parish, and Rredbeatt. …

And that’s Show Biz. …

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MIGUEL STEPS IN AS JUDAS AT DHT

Since local theater almost never have understudies for key roles in a musical, what do you do if a cast member becomes ill and cannot make the weekend shows?

Miquel Cadoy III, a popular and versatile island actor who also is a Farrington High School educator who directs a student musically annual, helped save the day when Taj Gutierrez, cast as Judas Iscariot in Diamond Head Theatre, became ill and nonetheless completed last Friday night’s performance.

By Saturday morn, however, Gutierrez realized he couldn’t make that day’s matinee and evening shows plus the Easter Sunday matinee, and had to be hospitalized. Director-choreographer John Rampage was informed about the medical crisis, and figured that cancellation of the weekend’s three shows was imminent, relaying that consideration to musical director Roslyn Catracchia.

Miguel Cadoy III

“We gotta cancel,” Rampage told Catracchia but she had other ideas.

Who you gonna call? Not Ghostbusters, but Mig Cadoy, Roz suggested.

“Yes, I did go on this past weekend as Judas! Crazy!,” said Cadoy, the centrifugal force in saving the day.

“They didn’t have an understudy from the cast, so Roslyn called me at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, to see if I could come in, learn the show and go on that evening,” said Cadoy.

He had a sketchy rehearsal to acclimate himself to the tunes and work on modified blocking, from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, to be primed for the 7:30 p.m. curtain on Saturday, a role of show he’s never done. He also had to be fitted for costumes.

“I used an iPad during the show, with the music lead sheet. Mr. John explained to the audience of the situation and they were very forgiving with me having the tablet in hand. I was supposed to WATCH the show that evening,” Cadoy said with awe.

Roslyn Catracchia


“It was a tall task; he had to feel the story and its emotions,” said Catracchia, who  witnessed the moments of show where Cadoy sings “Jesus Christ Superstar” and a  shortened version of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.” She said there were tears in his eyes.

Cadoy’s Judas preparation and performance had conflicted with his Easter Sunday preaching role at his church, but he managed to find a replacement, too.

“Thankfully, the cast was very supportive and helped me through the entire process,” he said.

It wasn’t the first time Cadoy has subbed for a fellow actor; he once had to sub for Cliffton Hall , who lost his voice, in a production of “Les Miserables;” but this was an off-stage incidence, requiring vocal work only.

It also wasn’t the first time for Catracchia, who had been part of a cast-member issue in a “JC Superstar” production, with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra; a substitute actor performed with a script in hand (pre iPad era) with her late mom, Beebe Freitas, as musical director.

With two performances under his belt, Cadoy remains on standby in case Gutierrez does not recover from his voice issues, for the final three shows this weekend at DHT.

Miguel Cadoy III, left, with “Superstar” co-stars Aleks Pevec and Bailey Barnes, ‘neath DHT marquee.

Cadoy is happy to respond to the emergency summons. “I couldn’t say no to Roslyn,” he confessed. “Plus I really wanted to audition for the show, but I wanted to finish my final research paper for my master’s (degree). Funny thing is, I turned in my final paper on Thursday, and then this coincidently happened! So thankfully I was able to do the show.”

The canceled Saturday performance has been rescheduled for 7:30 p.m. this Friday (April 22) with concluding performances at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday (April 23) and 4 p.m. Sunday (April 24).

Truly, Cadoy is to be commended for taking on this emergency call to fill in for a fellow actor in a time of need. For a musical with Biblical implications, with complications happening on an Easter weekend, one can’t help but wonder. The “He Is Risen” comment perfectly suits what transpired over the weekend, when Cadoy rose to the occasion in a the-show-must-go-on unplanned moment. …

And that’s Show Biz. ….

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‘EVERYTHING‘ CONSIDERED, IT ROARS

Nothing is simple or sane, and nowhere does it say it has to be.

So “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is a stew of incredibility and imagination, perhaps everything and anything you might not expect in a film.

It’s maniacal, but magical; it’s whimsical, yet wonderful; it’s delightful yet disastrous;  and it seemingly doesn’t end, so it offers twin endings. Like, “The End” twice.

Basically, it’s an original oddity, starring an agile and admirable Michelle Yeoh, as an operator of a laundromat who doesn’t quite know how to pay her bills so has ills with the IRS. She is the essence of a wreck-a-holic on steroids, in a grand way.

As directed by a pair of Daniels, who like to be known as the Daniels (last names, Kwan and Sheinert), this is an action film disguised as a comedy yet plays like a superheroine adventure complete with matters of the universe. It’s like a video game run amok, a family sit-com with kicks and kinks leading to a cosmic explosion of emotions and antics, a vision or version of apocalyptic end-of-the-world with more domestic ripples anchored to getting along with grandpa and a gay daughter, etc.

Whew!

Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan

It’s a longish journey (running time, 2:20, but seems endlessly longer) that dodges the finish line with extended gags, which results in lags, and it certainly is overwhelming and overpowering in the constant conflicts of relationships between leading and secondary characters.

Yeoh is remarkably athletic in stamina as Evelyn Wang, who ditched the family while she was young, who now owns a laundromat with her husband Waymond (Ke Huy Quan, the once-young lad in “Indiana Jones and the  Temple of Doom,” now converted into a modern-day comedic Jackie Chan), who unite with patriarch Gong Gong  (James Hong), the aging but able great-grandfather of the Chinese elderly dude), to celebrate Chinese New Year. But life is complex; the washing machines are below the parental residence, Waymond is seeking a divorce from Evelyn, who has to face the music and madness of an IRS audit; the couple’s daughter (Stephanie Hsu), has admitted she’s gay and brings home “good friend” partner Becky (Tallie Medel) for the family shebang.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Evelyn’s nemesis here includes Deirdre (Jamie Lee Curtis), the irrepressible IRS investigator who threatens the demise of the laundromat unless its owner can settle its questionable tax debt. Curtis is recognizable in face, but is padded with body prosthetics, and turns in a wacky, wicked performance as an IRS-er you don’t want to mess with.

The themes of filial love and respect, parental patience, spousal connections, and a heavy dose of metaverse threats and invasions where nothing is as it seems, everything and everywhere is blended into a toxic brew as if thrown into a food processor. Time is bent, twisted, flashing backward and forward, blurring reality.

And there are some icky, sticky, even sickly mess of elements, like a discomforting anal moment with a trophy substituting for a sexual device. And silly, recurring instances of googly eyes; you know, the kind of stick-on fake eyes.

On the other side of the spectrum, there are frequent unexpected sci-fi gems: hotdogs posing as fingers, toes playing the piano, for starters.

Because of its original, fresh storytelling, unfolded in bursts of clever visual and aural trickery, the Daniels have created a logical Gen Z product with word-of-mouth assist in making this a buzzed-about hit.

However, “Everything” is not for everyone, since mostly everything is unconventional and stuff keeps popping up everywhere without expectation. But you will be awed and astonished at everything you understand and even astonished by everything you didn’t quite get.

However, everything considered, you’ll have a roar of a great time.

And that’s Show Biz…