Category: Show Biz

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HALLMARK WILL DEBUT ISLE-FILMED ROM-COM ‘YOU HAD ME AT ALOHA’

“You Had Me at Aloha,” a rom-com filmed in Hawaii, will premiere June 5 on the Hallmark Channels.

It features Hallmark regulars Pascale Hutton as Paige and Kavan Smith as Ben in a familiar template of the collision of romantic and occupational friction before a happy ending.

When a popular travel show host resigns, the network taps Paige (Hutton) as the replacement host for the coming season in Hawaii. But she doesn’t know that the network also hired Ben (Smith)  who becomes a thorn in the picture. The two co-hosts clash with each other over opposing ideas but eventually learn – in Hallmark tradition – that co-existence in side-by-side jobs can wind up happily.

Hutton and Smith, in “You Had Me at Aloha.”

Other actors include Jennifer Asplund as Millie, Valen Ahlo as Luis, Sebastian Siegal as Todd, and Marysa Carr as Leimomi.

The production is directed by John Putch with screenplay by Rick Garman, and the Hawaii landscapes – the falls at Waimea, the tropical turf of Kualoa Ranch, the frolicking beach moments, the charm of a farmer’s market and the resort glamor of the Kahala resort – are visual postcards that will connect with viewers.

In online promos, Sutton rightfully opines, “Hawai’i is the most beautiful place on Earth.”

Looks like a hot summer run for Hallmark fans. …

Knock, knock, who’s there?

Who knew there’d be a portentous reality in “Leave the Door Open,” the hit song by Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak, DBA as Silk Sonic.

The door was ajar, indeed, for the tune to rebound to  sneak into the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top 100 this week, after earlier slipping to No.2. It previously was perched at No. 1 for the first time on April 17.

It’s not that common for a song to reign atop the charts, then zoom back up a month later.

Good job, dudes! Silky sonics work! …

Name dropping

Henry Kapono and the Honolulu Jazz Quartet will prevail at “A Tribute to Jimmy Borges,” at 6p.m. May 27 at Blue Note Hawaii at the Outrigger Waikiki. Tickets: $35 at bluenotehawaii.com.  Live screen option $20 at bluenotehawaii.com …

Jimmy. Borges

And Johnny Helm & Friends take the spotlight at 6 and 8:30 p.m. May 28 at Blue Note Hawaii. Also featuring Nic Kalei and John Cruz. Tickets: $30 premium, $20 loge, at bluenotehawaii.com …

And that’s “Show Biz.” …

‘NCIS: Hawai‘i’ lands Monday slot

According to CBS, the “NCIS: Hawai‘i” spinoff will be screened at 9 p.m. Mondays, piggybacking with the mothership show, “NCIS” (starring Mark Harmon), this fall.

That’s an indication that someone at the network – perhaps Harmon himself – wanted to kokua the newbie production, which likely will follow the lead-in Harmon show, which has been a Tuesday staple for years—as well as being the No. 1 procedural and a ratings blockbuster for most of its livelihood on CBS …

And that’s “Show Biz.” …

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NOAH MILLS JOINS ‘NCIS: HAWAI’I’ CAST

Noah Mills, last seen in Disney+’s “Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” is joining the cast of CBS’
“NCIS: Hawai‘i,” the fourth series in the NCIS franchise.

He is the fourth Mainland actor signed to series and will portray Jesse, who is an expert interrogator seeking a new life in the Islands, with creds as homicide investigator in a big city. Jesse supposed has worked with Jane Tennant, played by Vanessa Lachey, and will assume the role of lieutenant-in-command and occasional confidant.

According to Variety, Jesse favors old-fashioned police investigation, is devoted to hiking the island trails, and is a family man who runs 4-H camping trips for his kid.

Noah Mills –Photo By Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa

His acting profile includes “The Enemy Within,” “The Baker and the Beauty,” “The Brave,” and “2 Broke Girls,” but given the popularity of the NCIS brand, this might become his breakout hit.

Mills also has worked as a model, with Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford and Dolce and Gabanna. So brings good looks to the table.

No start-of-filming date yet, nor a decision on when and where the show ends up on CBS. …

The Hawai‘i series will supposedly be anchored at or near Pearl Harbor, as the NCIS crews investigate crimes involving military personnel and misdoings that threaten national security.

Lachey as Tennant will be first female to lead an NCIS team. The island show will be introduced, likely this fall, as the New Orleans program disappears. The mothership show, plus the Los Angeles spin-off, return this fall.

Willis, Travolta, find ‘Paradise’ on Maui

Production is under way on Maui for “Paradise City,” a drama reuniting Bruce Willis and John Travolta for the first time in 27, according to Deadline.

Bruce Willis, John Travolta and Praya Lundbert

Chuck Russell is directing drama about Ryan Swan (Willis), a renegade bounty hunter, who combs through the Hawaiian crime community in search of  the unnamed honcho  (Travolta),

who killed his father.

Thai actress and model Praya Lundbert has the female lead, but here character has not been identified.

The buzz on the project is that Hawai‘i plays a major role, in a “Miami Vice” like drama with bounty hunters instead of cops.

Willis has been box office gold, grossing $9.4 billion worldwide via such features as “Death Wish,” the “Die Hard” franchise, “Cosmic Sin,” “Moonlighting,” and Gasoline Alley.”

Travolta’s worldwide gross of $3.8 billion includes “Saturday Night Fever,” “Grease,” “Urban Cowboy,” and “Hairspray.”

A release date has not yet been announced.

And that’s “Show Biz.” …

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HTY’S ‘HI WAY’ NOMINATED FOR EMMYS

The Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s “The HI Way” television series has been nominated for six regional Emmy Awaards.

The theater group had to pivot from live productions to virtual because of last year’s pandemic, and since March 2020, the resident ensemble has produced 21 half-hour episodes that have connected with more than 4 million views via TV stations.

“HTY’s shift to digital production would not have been possible without the incredible support we received from our community partners,” said Becky Dunning, HTY managing director. Supporters included government and foundation grantors, she said, along with corporate donors and community individuals “who recognized the importance of keeping Hawaii children engaged and excited about learning during the pandemic.”

Eric Johnson, HTY’s artistic director, commended teachers who embraced the show’s content for distance-learning and in-person classes, and said the shows “celebrates what is unique about our culture, lifting up local stories and perspectives, and celebrating the values of diversity, environmental stewardship and aloha.”

Gerard Elmore

The six nominated episodes are “Pono,” “Respect Racism,” “Energy” and “Da Holidays,” with a special nominee in Gerard Elmore, who directed “Surfing.”

Episodes for season three are now televised on Hawaii News Now stations as well as the theater’s website, www.htyweb.org.

Season four premieres in fall of this year. …

DHT’s nostalgic ‘Forever Plaid’ opens May 28

“Forever Plaid,” an off-Broadway musical  brimming with nostalgia and tuneful oldies, opens May 28 at Diamond Head Theatre, eight performances through June 5. Facial masks are required to attend, with social distancing protocols prevailing, meaning limited seating in the theater.

The show has a heavenly twist;  four buddies named Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie head to a gig when a school bus collides with their car, terminating their career. But the stars were aligned and the group’s fate is reborn so the foursome can continue its musical journey.

The show is a tribute to 19502 guy-group music – think the Four Seasons from another era – with emphasis on four-part harmony. Thus, the score features the likes of Four Freshmen, Four Aces and Four Lads and titles such as “Three Coins in the Fountain,” “No Not Much,” “Moments to Remember,” “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing,” “Rags to Riches,” and “Shangri-La.”

Andrew Sakaguchi returns home from New York to direct and choreograph, with Maika‘i Nash conducting the orchestra.

The cast features Tyler Devere as Jinx, Scott Fikse as Smudge, Ryan Michel as Frankie and Will Thomson as Sparky.

Playdates: 7:30 p.m. May 28, 7:30 p.m. May 29, 4 p.m. May 30, 7:30 p.m. June 3, 7:30 p.m. June 4, 3 p.m. June 5, 7:30 p.m. June 5 and 4 p.m. June 6.

Tickets: $22 at diamondheadtheatre.com …

                      *.  *.  *

Remembering Willie K

Willie K will be remembered in a Celebration of Life in the form of a drive-through from 2 to 4 p.m. May 18 at the Wahikuli Wayside State Park on Maui.

Willie K

The Kahaiali‘i ‘Ohana – Willie’s family and friends – is presenting the drive-through, in a one-way traffic route below the Lahaina Fire Station.

Some traffic restrictions will be in place, with no-left turns and no-parking in the nearby lots.

Uncle Willie, the beloved entertainer, died May 18 2020,

He is widely known for his expansive musical repertoire, ranging from old-style Hawaiian to the blues, from operatic arias to country tunes, from contemporary Hawaiiana to jazz. He was a regular at several Maui sites and the Blue Note Hawaii club in Waikiki, where he serenaded his fans monthly until illness prevented him from performing.

Willie Awihilima Kahaiali‘i is survived by his wife, Debbie Kahaiali‘I and children Karshaun, Max, Lycettiana and Antoinette. …

                                     *.  *.  *

And that’s “Show Biz.” …

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10 TIHATI SHOWS OPEN ON 3 ISLANDS

Tihati Productions, idle since last year’s statewide pandemic closure, has reopened a total of 10 shows on three islands – an indication that tourism finally is jamming again.

Afatia Thompson

“We have become increasingly busy, and we can’t be more elated to be back in business,” said Afatia Thompson, Tihati president.
“To feel the volume of work increase weekly is such a tremendous blessing for us and all of our Tihati people. Feels good to be jamming again.”

The visitor industry still is struggling to back to levels before the coronavirus forced hotels, showrooms, and restaurants to close, but the sparks of life continue to brighten and widen in  the hospitality. The airlines are shuttling visitors here daily and more routes and carriers — notably Hawaiian, United and Southwest — are increasing flights, a huge boost in visitor arrivals and departures.

“We are eager to continue to enlighten visitors with the vibrant stories of our people and our islands, through the highest caliber of Polynesian performing arts,” said Thompson.

Indeed, all Tihati shows are written by Misty Thompson Tufono, with the concepts, mele and dances linked to Hawaii culture, in many instances embracing the history of the areas where the spectacles are ensconced.

Current shows in production:

Oahu

“Waikiki Starlight Lu’au,” at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Shows on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

Information: 808-941-5828

“Ka Wa’a Lu’au,” Aulani Resort & Spa

Shows on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Information: 1-866-443-4763

“Aha Aina a Royal Hawaiian Experience,” at Royal Hawaiian Hotel

Shows on Mondays and Thurdays

Information: (808) 921-4600.

 

Maui

“Te Au Moana,” at Marriott Maui, Wailea Beach Resort

Shows on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Information: 877-827-2740

“Feast at Mokapu,” at Andaz Maui

Tihati fire knife dancer

Shows on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays

Information: 808-573-1234

“Drums of the Pacific,” at Hyatt Regency Maui

Shows on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Information: 808-667-4727

“Maui Nui Lu’au,” Sheraton Maui

Shows on Wednesdays

Information: 808-877-4852

Hawaii Island

“Voyagers of the Pacific,” Royal Kona Resort

Shows on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Information: 808-672-2520

“Waikoloa Sunset Luau,” Waikoloa Beach Marriott

Shows on Mondays and Wednesdays

Information: 808-886-6789

“Legends of Hawaii,” Hilton Waikoloa

Shows on Sundays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Information: 808-886-1234

The performances may fluctuate and are subject to change.

Trip to Mars

Yes, Bruno Mars‘s six shows in July at the Park Theater at Park MGM in Las Vegas are officially sold out.

But with beaucoup bucks, you can get tickets and entrée to see and hear him. Call it a dream vacation – “Trip to Mars” is how the resort is billing this promotion – but it’s costly.

For performances on July 3 and July 24, you have three booking options, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Bruno Mars

Have your platinum charge card ready. Or simply drool and dream.

The options are keyed to Bruno’s hits:

  • The 24 Karat Gold package for four includes a three-night stay a luxurious suite, a Bruno bag of swag, a $500 food/beverage credit and other perks…with prices that started at $6,529. But whoa,  it’s already sold out.
  • The Upscale Funk deal includes a three-night stay for two, a luxurious suite, two tickets, a $200 meal/drink credit…with a tab starting at $3,199.
  • The When I Was Young suite option includes a two-night visit, two tickets, a $200 credit, starting at $2,499.

Details:  https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/offers/bruno-mars-package.html …

The mask-erade

So now, the CDC has decreed that face masks are not required, under most circumstances, and social distancing is out the window. If you’re vaxxed to the max (one Johnson & Johnson shot, two from Pfizer and Moderna), you’re able to heave the mask in public spaces. There will be issues, maybe confrontations, in the entertainment and dining communities.

But wait: Gov. David Ige has decreed that Hawaii law will continue to require face masks, despite the national change-of-rules. Only 40 per cent of Hawaii’s population has had vaccinations and youngsters 12 and older now are eligible ro be vaxxed.

There are caveats: no official word from the airlines, where mask-wearing might still be prudent; restaurants and private places likely still can maintain their own protocols. So far, so good. It’s still advisable for kids under 12 should wear masks. But can families resolve their own issues — parents unmasked, young kids still protected with masks?

But since you don’ know who got their pokes vs. those who didn’t, for your own safety, maybe masks are still safer to wear. Vaccinations now mean you’ve earned the right to lift the masks; perhaps those who’ve dodged the needles should reconsider and join the crowd doing the right thing. And if you’re still queasy, would you finally attend a mass event like a stadium concert or a filled arena show? Questions abound. What say you? ….

And that’s “Show Biz.” …