Category: Updates

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‘STITCH’ SKIPPED STREAMING ROUTE

There’s joy and jubilation aplenty, in Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch” summertime hit.

Islanders flocking back to the cinema, to enjoy a bona fide treasure and pleasure, will realize this isn’t a kiddie film. It’s a dramady with laughs, with a positive script and appealing cartoon characters coming to life.

Surely, you must know someone in the film – a relative, a neighbor down the street, a hula dancer you’ve seen –so there’s plenty to applaud. Further, “L&S” appear to be this year’s smash hit, so clap like crazy. With its opening weekend gross last week topping $183 million domestically, it’s almost certain that a Disney sequel will be in the works in the distant future.

Stitch with Lilo (Maia Kealoha): Skipping streaming for the big screen.

For the record, Disney earlier pegged “Lilo & Stitch” as a streaming film via its Disney+. Luckily, somebody saw gold and plans swiftly changed. “L&S’s” performance – a live-action flick with cartoon roots — was No. 2 for the Mouse House for the first weekend — with “The Lion King” checking in at No. 1 with $171 million” in 2019  and “Beauty & the Beast” garnering $174 million in 2017.

Maia Kealoha

Clearly, the blue alien from the cartoon original is back and steals the picture. Stitch was naughty, two decades again, and he’s still unabashedly eager to create havoc, and he’s the key non-human (also known as 626, in his earlier life) we still adore. The cutie who steals the film is newcomer Maia Kealoha, who brings Lilo to life, but she’s still  searching for a friend, still loving Elvis Presley on vinyl, and  is unafraid to shove her hula halau smartie off the stage. She needs a companion badly, and this turns out to be Stitch, who resembles a dog or a koala bear, who’s blue, with a lot of teeth, has special powers, and well, becomes a pet and a companion in escapades that put both in trouble. Lilo names him Stitch, and he arrives from the heavens and they become best buddies. Message here: you take the friend that crashes in your troubled life.

Tia Carrere

Her sister Nani (Sydney Agudon) still frets about holding a job, finding another one, caring for Lilo, and dodges the social worker Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere) who wants to split the family. But yes, Lilo and Stitch both know – family means ‘ohana, and no one gets left behind. 

‘Twas the mantra then, and it still works now. If you don’t abandon hope.

Ksipo Dudoit

Kaipo Dudoit, appearing as David Kawena in his feature film debut, has a crush on Nani, and is a neighbor of Lilo and Nani. Off camera, he dances hula with Robert Cazimero’s Merrie Monarch-winning Halau Na Kamalei O Lililehua, occasionally sings with his father’s group Ho‘okena, plays the violin, and is a massage therapist. Reviewers are calling him a hunk! He boasts a fit body, and he’s got trendy, Hawaiian tattoos.

Amy Hill

And how can you resist  Tutu (Amy Hill), the caring surrogate grandmother to Lilo and Stitch and a neighborhood pal anyone would want and comes to your rescue.  She voiced a fruit seller in the animated cartoon, but in the flesh, she’s precious. Looks the part, talks the part, and has the heart of a beloved tutu wahine.

Heard, but not seen – the enthusiastic and engaging Kamehameha Schools Children Chorus (directed by Lynette K. Bright – performing the charismatic “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,” this time with American Idol winner Iam Tongi plus Mark Keali‘i Ho‘omalu joining in. That tune, plus “He Mele No Lilo,” are back for another serenade, with links to the first animated “Lilo & Stitch” film. They were good luck charms then, and lovely sounds of aloha now, like great friends reunited again.

Chris Kekaniokalani Bright

There’s more off-camera camaraderie in the screenwriter role. Chris Kekaniokalani Bright co-wrote the movie with Mike Van Waes. Chris’s mom is Lynelle Bright, Kamehameha Schools Children Chorus, and as a child, Chris became friends with Dean Dubois and Chris Sanders, original screenplay writers of the first “L&S” cartoon feature, sharing cultural and island history then. Sanders directed the cartoon and voiced Stitch, and leaves everyone in stitches in the live-action update. However, the director here is Dean Fleischer Camp, known for his precious “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On,” who masterly nurtured the spirit of Hawaii and delivered the right touches and sentiments dealing with woman/female issues of life challenges. Lilo is a little princess, but this is not your customary princess adventure.

Locals also know that Chris’ father Clarke Bright is now bandmaster of the Royal Hawaiian Band, and conductor of the orchestra at all I’m a Bright Kid Foundation musicals, and his grandmother is Mo Bright and late grandfather was Ronald B. Bright, legendary director and drama teacher at Castle High School.

Clooney drama will air live before Tonys

George Clooney’s “Good Night and Good Luck” continues to sit atop Broadway’s weekly box office grosses, for the week ending May 25. The play has set records, now in the lofty $4 million club; it is vying  for five Tony Awards, including Clooney’s Best Actor in a Drama nomination in the  June 8 event. The  show will air live in an unprecedented screening at 7 p.m. ET (1 p.m. Hawaii time) the day before, June 7.

The Top 10:

1—”Good Night, and Good Luck,” $4.238 million

2—”Othello,” $3.327 million

3—“Glengarry Glen Ross,” $2.750 million

4—”Wicked,“ $2.353 million

5—”The Lion King,” $2.055 million

6—“Hamilton,” $1.956 million

7—”Death Becomes Her,” $1.559 million

8—”Aladdin,” $1.349 million

9—”Moulin Rouge! The Musical,“ $1.277 million

10–“The Outsiders,” $1.268 million

The full list, courtesy the Broadway Guild:

And that’s Show Biz…

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SEE ‘STITCH,’ THEN BUY THE MERCH

Disney’s live-action “Lilo & Stitch,” now in the multi-plex theaters over the Memorial Day weekend, is anticipated to break box office records by Monday, a holiday.

The Hawaii-filmed project is surely to draw a family audience, whose patronage will probably boost the film with a $175 to $180 million gross, besting the Paramount-Tom Cruise “Mission: Impossible —  The Final Reckoning” summertime powerhouse.

“Lilo & Stitch” will be driven by the popularity of the naughty-but-nice blue alien, who is the lone cartoonish character in the film, and an obvious scene-stealer. And sorry, Lilo, the most popular figure from the movie.

You know a film is hot, hot, hot, when it is accompanied by a swarm of merchandise to accompany the buzz from the movie. And while Lilo has a few entries in the buyables, Stitch is going to be the character to fuel the jingling cash registers.

Stitch talking plush.

Parents, get your charge cards ready. The merch looks wonderful, and the kid on the block to be the first to get one of the items will be the king or queen of  the summer. But several items are for adults, so parents won’t be left out. But because of the prices of the products, moms and dads mahy prefer to save the purchases as Christmas gifts. But knowing Disney, there will be more stuff later that Santa will deliver to the young ones.

Stitch canvas tote,

Since Disney Stores have vanished in Hawaii, the easiest way to buy merch will be via online. So let me share a preview, with prices, of some of the best gifts available while stocks are plentiful.

The cool finds:

  • A basic Stitch “talking” plush, $39,99.His eyes light up and shows many moods.
Stitch sweatshirt.
  • An oversized vinyl Stitch, $24.99.
  • A puppetronic Stitch plush, $49.99. A hand inserted into a cutout on the back of Stitch’s head makes the doll’s mouth open to “talk.”
  • A Lego house, presumably where Stitch lives with Lilo, $89.99.
  • An adult sweatshirt, with ‘Ohana lettering on the back, $79.99.
  • A canvas tote, depicting a surfing Stitch, $19.99.
Stitch crocs.
  • An adult blue pair of Cros, festooned with Stitch images, $64.99

Go to www.disneystore.com to purchase and see more official Stitch buyables. Other sites, like Etsy and Target, may  carry some of these items, or variations thereof.

Of course, you know that the cast includes many local actors, including:

  • Maia Kealoha, as Lilo.
  • Kaipo Dudoit, as David Kawena.
  • Jason Scott Lee, as the luau manager.
  • Sydney Agudong, as Nani Kelekai.
  • Amy Hill, as Tutu.
  • Tia Carrere, as Mrs. Kekoa.
  • Celia Kaleialoha Kenney, as AJ.

Another local notable, with an esteemed credit: Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, one of the screenplay writers for “Lilo & Stitch.”

And that’s Show Biz…

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FAMILY, FAITH PART OF PAPA’S BIRTHDAY

For his 80th birthday celebration, Jack “Tihati” Thompson received the gift of love, adoration, respect, hugs, handshakes and accolades for being the best Papa on the planet.

Last night (May 18), the Waialae Country Club was converted into a makeshift showroom, alive and active with South Seas rhythms, staged by  astounding family members – grandkids galore, all talented and capable to render Samoan and Tahitian songs and dances and even a trademark haka number with body-slamming and rigorous voicing. In other words, a brand of passionate enterprise, normally displayed night after night at in showrooms and on lawns statewide, where Tihati Productions earn applause and appreciation as the world’s most prolific producers of Polynesian luau extravaganzas.

 An ensemble of singers and drummers provided the syncopation and  heartbeat to replicate the Tihati trademark…expressly for Papa.

There’s no shortage of dancing family members.

This was no ordinary performance, but an extraordinary  salute to the co-founder (now retired) and creator of Tihati Productions. The evening reflected the values of faith and family, which have always been part of Tihati’s journey, coupled with the mission to uphold the roots and the culture he adores.

Afatia Thompson and Misty Tufono, who now share the helm of Tihati Productions, were the creative minds behind Papa’s birthday blast. They shored up snippets of Tihati’s specialties —  like the haka dance — and the cast of willing Tihati troupers provided the vigor and the momentum. The littlest performer – Tihati Thompson, one of Afatia’s children – was a scene stealer. FYI, he’s the young fire knife dancer on the Waikiki strip, but fire marshal rules forbid the flaming knife dance in enclosed structures.

Tihati troupers provided the sounds and syncopation of the South Seas.

Some observations:

Cha and Jack Thompson unite in dance.
  • Jack and spouse Cha Thompson seldom take to the dance floor, but were united in dance.  They seemed to enjoy the two or three brief moments in motion, especially on “Unchained Melody.”.
  • The audience included  a lone, legitimate Hawaiian songbird, Nina Keali‘iwahama, a family friend  who rarely basks in the limelight. Coaxed to sing, she did “only if Cha dances.” So, this was a double treat a pair of reluctant Incredibles.
  • The Thompson grandkids are devoted to their Papa, and he shares inspirational Biblical thoughts; you know they bond when it comes to faith.
  • The Johnny Valentine quartet provided a splendid musical show during dinner, and Valentine had the smarts to research the hit songs of the era of the ‘60s when Jack and Cha were Farrington High School students. Tunes like “Moon River,” “Beyond the Sea,” and “Dream Lover” prevailed. He has the makings to become a showroom headliner.
  • The foundation of the guest list was family first; then folks who’ve made a difference in the Tihati growth and success, like Jerry Gibson, longtime Hilton Hawaiian Village  general manager and now a Marriott corporate official, and Keith Vieira, former Starwood Hotels executive and now a hospitality industry consultant, and Kalo Mataele Soukop, former producer of a competitive Tongan show at the Hawaiian Hut.
  • A former politician was in the house, too. But Mufi Hannemann not only has mayoral roots but he’s family – Thompson’s cousin.
Little Tihati
  • A historical video of snapshots Tihati featured voiceover by little Tihati. Someday, when he’s 80, he’ll reminisce about the time Papa had a swanky birthday party.
  • Afatia said that the night’s proceedings were filmed so that video release of sorts will be available. For Papa, for sure…

And that’s Show Biz…

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SECOND FILIPINO IN ‘HAMILTON’ CAST

And then there were two.

Filipinos in the cast of “Hamilton,” that is.

So the mega hit musical show — approaching its 10th anniversary on Aug. 6 on the Great White Way — has another dash of Hawaii’s aloha spirit in the company.

You might recall we’ve earlier written about Marc delaCruz, who had been the lone Filipino performer in the ensemble. He’s originally from the Big Island, the first Filipino to play the hit show’s titular character, after understudying Alexander Hamilton originally played by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show’s creator. DelaCruz emailed me recently that another former islander has joined the company, and he helped me get in touch with this colleague.

Reanne Acasio, as Eliza Schuyler in :”Hamilton” debuting during the Filipino American History Month, when she became the first Filipina portraying the character on Broadway.

So say aloha to Reanne Acasio, a Filipino actress and also a former resident of Hawaii. She’s now in the ensemble but also has been understudying andctively playing the three Schuyler sisters, Angelica, Eliza and Peggy.  She and delaCruz thus are the only Filipinos in the multi-racial cast…and both are proud of their heritage.

Acasio’s Broadway journey started in 2022 with a national tour of “Hamilton,” dubbed the Angelica Company, First National. “I was an offstage cover for Angelica, Eliza and Peggy, as well as one ensemble track,” said Acasio.

Acasio’s trio of Schuyler roles, from left, as Eliza, Peggy and Angelica; she also plays Maria Reynolds (center).

“I had gone to an open call in NYC, got one in-person callback for Eliza, and then had a series of Zoom callbacks and tapes that finally led to the job,” she said. “ I booked it with four days left on a contract in New Hampshire, with no jobs lined up afterward. It was a Godsend!”
She joined the Broadway “Hamilton” cast in  2024, this time as the onstage cover of the Schuyler sisters, performing every night in the ensemble while still understudying Angelica, Eliza, and Peggy.(She understudies a fourth role, Maria Reynolds, the character who has an affair with Alexander Hamilton).

Thus, when she reports to the Richard Rodgers Theatre every day, she winds up playing different characters, according to need.

“It’s quite fun to test my range,” she said. “You really never get bored. I’ve also gotten to make history as the first Filipina to play all three sisters on Broadway.” 

Curtain call at the Richard Rodgers Theatre: from left, ensemble player Phil Colgan; Marc delaCruz, fellow Filipino actor who’s in the ensemble but also understudies the Alexander Hamilton role; Acasio,; and Trey Curtis, the current titular lead actor.

By now, Acasio probably has performed the Schuylers dozens of times. “My favorites are Eliza and Angelica, but I do love the huge switch-up in energy from Peggy to Maria Reynolds. I love the subtleties, acting challenge, arc, and music of Eliza, and the strength, power vocals, and humor of Angelica.” 

Acasio lived in Hawaii in the early 2000s, residing first in Kapolei then in Waipahu. During the pandemic, she lived in Honolulu. And yes, family members, flying in from all over the world, have seen her in ”Hamilton” “They were so proud to see me achieving my wildest dreams,” she said.

Before “Hamilton,” Acasio was part of the all-Filipino “Here Lies Love” on Broadway, based on the life of Imelda Marcos. Acasio shared the role of Aurora Aquino with Lea Salonga, the first Filipina to win a Tony Award for her pivotal portrayal of Kim in “Miss Saigon.” 

Acasio appreciates how Broadway “has become more inclusive of all cultures, skin tones, genders, sexual orientations, and beliefs, than in the past. I am so lucky to witness and be a part of the industry in this era of celebrating diversity in storytelling. I think it’s cool that I get to play four different people in this show, and my heritage/skin tone isn’t the center of the story. I get to color my performance with my Filipino identity, for example, sprinkling a little “Ate” (Tagalog for older sister) energy when playing Angelica. But the audience sees me as Angelica, not as ‘the Filipina.’ Although it is such a joy to meet Filipinos at the stage door who get so excited that they saw a fellow Filipino onstage.” 

While landing a role on Broadway is a dream come true, Acasio is a bona fide island girl and misses everything Hawaii. A military brat born in Guam, she has lived  in Turkey, Germany, and different states. “I attended Hickam Elementary School, Kapolei Elementary School, and Kapolei Middle School in Hawaii,” she said. “My family and I lived on Oahu for six years. 

Because New York is a concrete jungle, her thirst for Hawaii is natural. “I miss the green, the ocean, the ʻāina,” she said. “I miss going to hula as a kid in Kapolei at my neighbor’s house and as an adult at Halau Keolakapuokalani with kumu Drake Keolakapu Dudoit Delaforcé even getting to go to the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. I miss the people and the community who took care of each other and the land. I miss the food — oh the food! I miss the music, the vibrant culture, the hikes, the sunrises. Hawaii was the best place I’ve ever lived, and I’ve gotten to experience a lot of the world in my lifetime. Hawaii will always feel like home”…

Two Broadway dramas recoup initial investment

George Clooney’s hit drama,  “Good Night, and Good Luck,” no longer is in the $4 million club, but it  earlier recouped the show’s initial investments. Clooney also is a Tony nominee for Best Actor in a Drama.

“Othello,” which also has passed the $3 million milestone, has managed to recover its initial investment, too, effective the week ending May 11.

Which means both shows are  hereon riding the gravy train.  But “Othello” has been snubbed, denying lead actor Denzel Washington  a Tony nomination.

The Tonys are set for June 8 at the Radio City Music Hall. Since I have not visited Broadway since last June, I have not seen a single nominated production this year. Sigh…

The Top 10:

1—“Good Night, and Good Lock,”  $3.812 million

2—“Othello,” $3.229 million

3—“Glengarry Glen Ross,” $2.432 million

4—“Wicked,” $2.128” million

5—“The Lion King,” $1.795 million

6—“Hamilton,” $1.660 million

7—“Death Becomes Here,” $1.343 million

8—“MJ the Musical,” $1.214 million

9—“The Picture of Dorian Gray,” $1.204 million

10—“Gypsy,” $1.180 million

The complete list of grosses, courtesy the Broadway League:

And that’s Show Biz…

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TIHATI’S 80TH BIRTHDAY PARTY SUNDAY

Jack “Tihati” Thompson, a founder of Tihati Productions, will celebrate his 80th birthday this Sunday (May 18) at Waialae Country Club.

His actual birthdate is May 11, but because that date was Mother’s Day, Tihati – formal name, HC Papaliitele Jack Eli Tihati Thompson –his milestone birthday will be celebrated belatedly.

At 80, Tihatiand his wife Cha are retired from their Polynesian production they both founded and turned over the operations of their biz to their son Afatia Thompson and daughter Misty Thompson Tufono.

Grandchildren and great-grandchildren will gather, along with some close friends, to wish their Papa good tidings.

Since he retired, Tihati has been taking it nice and easy, devoting his energy and time, working toward wellness,  since he’s had a few health issues. But he’s happy and well-rested, and tends to his beloved non-profit, the South SeasChristian Ministries, based in Samoa. The  Ministry has been actively raising funds to provide building supplies to create schools and medical clinics and water tanks to  Samoan villages in need. Thus, the birthday party also is a fundraiser for the Ministry, to help carry on the good deeds.

Happy, happy , happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy birthday, Jack, one happy for each decade…

And that’s Show Biz…