wayneharada.com

July 14, 2022July 15, 2022

SUMMER BREEZE, PLUS LOVE SONGS

John Kolivas’ Honolulu Jazz Quartet, one of the islands’ most enduring jazz ensembles, will concertize at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (July 16) in a private concert in Haleiwa.

The ensemble will program a range of 60s and 70s hits, plus selections from the HJQ’s latest CD.

In an online post, Kolivas mentioned that “I finally got up the energy to write my arrangement of Seals & Croft’s ‘Summer Breeze,’ in time for our annual concert in Haleiwa,” Kolivas said in an online post.

And indeed, “Summer Breeze” is a seasonal summertime favorites.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and for the address of the venue, contact Babatunji for reservations, food options and other details. A capacity crowd is anticipated, so email babatunji@gmail.com or call (808) 636-1285. …

Ben Vegas will return to Medici’s at the Manoa Market Place, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (July 16). His evening of romantic tunes is themed “Songs in the Key of Love.”

Since his previous tune-mate Maila Gibson has left the act, Vegas has been doing special events concerts, previously teaming up with John Valentine.

In the weekend show, Vegas will be joined by musician friends Fred Alcain and Aron Nelson, with guest vocalist Ana Allen sitting in for a few numbers.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and includes a four-course dinner. Cost is $59, which includes the meal and the music. Reservations: www.medicissupperclub.com …

Is Ben Franklin the next to exit Mapunapuna?

With Home Depot acquiring the Mapunapuna complex called Moanalua 99, the remaining tenants will shut down today. Some are reopening elsewhere; many will close for good.

Earlier, Henry Loui restaurant ended its residency in the Mapunapua area, because of the imminent changes ahead, so I wondered about the Ben Franklin/Celebrations complex next door. In a recent visit, employees told me they were hoping that crafters will help save the end of Ben Franklin there, but as a crafter myself, I haven’t heard anything about plans to keep BF where it is, or shut down to raze and reinvigorate the area. Are crafters even aware of the possible end of BF Moanalua? Is this progress?. Just wondering. …

Broadway grosses, week ending July 10

Broadway is still alive and kicking, as the summer season goes into high gear.

But whoa, “The Music Man” still is the top drawer, but it’s now just shy of its usual $3 million gross. The take? $2.9 million.

No. 2 is “The Lion King,” earning $2.3 million, resulting in tswapping slots with No 3, “Hamilton,” with $2.2 million.

The tallies are courtesy The Broadway League. Here’s the chart, for figures for the week ending July 10:

And that’s Show Biz. …

July 13, 2022July 13, 2022

ALL IN THE OHANA, AT BLUE NOTE

Ohana Arts, an organization of theater and musical mentors and their students, made the plunge into the Waikiki mainstream last night (July 12), at Blue Note Hawaii at the Outrigger Waikiki resort.

Clearly, there’s a lot of budding talent among the ranks, with about 25 taking the stage to strut their stuff, joined by a cluster of adults. A premium list of in-house entertainer-mentors, like Rocky Brown and Kristian Lei (who have enviable credits in legit Broadway musicals), sharing their talent to Mainland and global audiences and now grooming and inspiring homegrown troupers still earning their stripes.

I was curious, about how this group would assemble a cabaret show – a mixed bag of tunes, an uneven level of confidence among the youths – in a venue not generally known for showcasing local talent seeking their first brush of legitimacy.

Simply, the evening was a work in progress. It was a challenge to fully appreciate a show that doesn’t have a format or a map, like a conventional Broadway musical. Ohana Arts, welcomes challenges and is in the midst of its busiest month ever. FYI, besides the Blue Note show, it is staging its version of Broadway popular musicials, “Newsies” July 21 at 2 and 7:30 p.m., July 23 at 7:30 p.m., and July 24 at 3 p.m. at the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre at the University of Hawaii, alternately producing “Matilda” on July 22 at 7:30 p.m., July 23 at 3 p.m., and Sunday July 24 at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p. m., at Kennedy Theatre at UH. “Newsies” is nearly sold out. But that’s another story.

As deployed by Ohana Arts, the Blue Note one-nighter reeled off more like a high school talent show, than a cohesive club spectacle, with one singer followed by another and another and another. The routine swiftly became, well, routine.

However, the core of the evening – the valid talent – was outstanding. Apologies, but I didn’t have road map (meaning cast list) for this one, so I can’t properly name names of most of the troupers as the charming, enthusiastic emcee, dutifully rattling off a list… from her iPhone.
So it was problematic, for an ignorant spectator, to identify who’s who. The parade had its ups and downs, and the show would have had more impact if it shaped and produced the participants and selections with thematic tweaks. But ambition and pride shined, and since most of the crowd were Ohana Arts families and followers, there were enough cheers and sparks to aid and provide confidence and goodwill to the youngsters.

An evening like this begs for a rousing opening number involving multiple vocalists in a spirited hurrah, to make us all sit on the edge of our seats in anticipation. Imagine a youth capable of becoming The Emcee, as in “Cabaret,” and dish up a socko “Wilkommen” opening song. Would have been a howling howdy-do.

In this outing, Jeannine Wong’s (sorry if this isn’t the correct name) “Don’t Rain on My Parade” was a logical opening song choice, but it was a one-woman parade (not her fault) that needed embellishment perhaps with a few dancers and singers just to perk it up and get noticed.

Mentor and professional singer Kristian Lei’s duet with a dude named Tanner (sorry, missed the surname)“The Prayer” had both Broadway pizzazz and operatic voices. Similarly, Rocky Brown’s (another pro) trio version of “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman” with Sienna and Janell (spelling?) had precisely the kind of charisma that sizzled, when talent helped sell the tune.

Ryan Sousa, a father of an Ohana pupil, excelled in a close-to-the-finale momentum with a sweet, emotional “Bring Him Home” from “Les Misérables.”

Tanner returned to embrace “Music of the Night,” from “Phantom of the Opera,” to extend and spin the Broadway wheel, followed by a “Wicked” duet of the iconic “I Have Been Changed” song by an adult duo whose names I don’t want to screw up, so won’t attempt trying, with a grand finale of “You Will Be Found,” from musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” the signature bandaged arm not required (though it would have been a kick if someone had a faux broken left arm) that finally demonstrated the depth and unifying resources in Ohana Arts.The integrated harmonies, and the vastness of the assembly, were impressive.

Ohana Arts’ finale number “You Will Be Found” engaged the entire company.

The presence of emerging local talent hasn’t gone unnoticed by Blue Note, which is making it possible for non-profits like Ohana Arts to make a pitch for a slot, without the normal rental fees, and Blue Note also enabling public support of monetary kokua on its website. Great win-win for all – for organizations eager to mount a cabaret show. …

And that’s Show Biz. …

July 8, 2022July 8, 2022

‘EDWINA’ ON BRIGHT KID’S AGENDA

“Dear Edwina Jr.,” a musical about the joys of growing up, will be staged by the I’m a Bright Kid Foundation, at 7 p.m. July 15 and 16 and at 2 p.m. July 16 and 17 at Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College.

The show is a climax to IABK’s Summer Musical Theatre Arts Education Program, where island youths have been attending workshops and classes on the multi layers of singing, acting, and dancing in a musical show.

“Edwina Jr.” focuses on the adventures of a plucky advice-giver, Edwina Spoonapple, as she directs her neighborhood kids in a series of live production numbers to be featured in her latest weekly advice show.

Cleo (full first name, Cleonice) Hamm portrays Edwina; a Bright grandson, Drew Bright, plays Scott Kunkle, a neighbor boy, who is Edwina’s love interest.

Drew Bright and Cleo Hamm co-star in IABK’s “Edwina Jr.”

A video-on-demand component is available for those unable to attend the live performances.

During summer vacation, students have been getting lessons on the stagecraft of theater, so the shows are an opportunity to use skills acquired during the workshops.

Production numbers reflect positive friendship wisdom ranging from making new allies to trying new food, told in tunes.

Tickets are $23 for adults 21 or older, $18 for seniors 65 and older plus students and active-duty military, and $13 for children 3-12. Tickets for video element are available online www.imabrightkid.org/tickets

The program is supported in part by a grant from the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation. The summer activities draw students from all over the islands.

The pandemic has sidelined IABK to stage traditional musicals for nearly three seasons, so “Edwina Jr.” is the first theatrical endeavor performing before a live audience since 2019.

Selleck remembers Doversola

Tom Selleck, TV’s original Thomas Magnum, has sent organizers of the funeral for casting director Margaret Doversola, a tribute message about Doversola.

Doversola was a secretary to the producer of CBS’ “Magnum,” which aired for eight years from 1980 to 1988, and Doversola became the show’s casting director.

“Margaret was much loved and respected by all of us in our ‘Magnum’ family… as well as the rest of the Hawaii entertainment community, and beyond,” said Selleck. “She was a member of our family from day one, throughout our eight years, and her Casting Director role helped shape the success of the show. Much love, and aloha, Margaret.”

Selleck was a Hawai residenti throughout the run of the procedural. He now stars as the police commissioner of CBS’ “Blue Bloods.” …

Other show biz deaths

Facebook chatter indicates that veteran and beloved jazz pianist Johnny Todd has died in Los Angeles, though not firmly confirmed by family sources. Todd was widely known as the musical director for Don Ho, for nearly three decades, in notable gigs at the Las Vegas Hilton in the 1970s and in most of Ho’s prime anchor spots ranging from Duke Kahanamoku’s to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Dome. He is survived by daughter Shay and was the husband of jazz singer Ethel Azama, who preceded him in death. …

Paul Brown, the celebrated hairstylist with deep Hawaii roots, died in Los Angeles on July 7 at age 74. He had been diagnosed with. Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, according to friend Willy Falk, a Broadway performer and Punahou grad, now living in New York. “Paul was well known as hairdresser, salon-owner and for his line of eponymous products,” said Falk. Brown had a career in hairstyling and hair and skin care products, bearing his name. He utilized island resources to create his hair, body, and makeup products.

Falk also said Linda Kidani, has died – date unknown – at a care home in Kaneohe. She was a veteran performer with the Opera Players of Hawaii, a vocalist at Central Union Church, and an investor in “The Producers,” a Tony-winning musical on Broadway. Survivors include her daughter Kaiulani Shinsato. Services are scheduled for July 17, specifics unknown. …

And that’s Show Biz. …

July 7, 2022July 7, 2022

A SPECIAL ‘LES MIZ’ T-SHIRT NOTE CARD

Cleaning up some files today, I came across a small collection of notecards I created, to thank the cast of “Les Miserables,” which was a wowser and rouser at Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College in October, 2013.

This production likely to be Hawaii’s most astonishing accomplishment in local theater, directed, of course, by the late and legendary Ron Bright. It was Mr. B’s favorite show, part of a bucket-list of shows he wanted to do; “Phantom of the Opera” and “Miss Saigon,” which he also directed with his impeccable touch, completing his wish list.

The cast of “Les Miserables,” at Paliku Theatre, in October, 2013.

The notecards – in the shape of T-shirts – depict a Cosette-in-Hawaii motif. The cards were meant to commemorate and thank the cast and crew of this stupendous show; and yes, did enough cards so each performer and techie received one on opening night

See, in many tour stops made by the official touring company of “Les Miz,” the iconic child that is the symbol of this enduring Broadway and London show, takes on the flavor of the city being visited. In Canada, Cosette had a flag with a maple leaf; in France, the French flag gets prime time; in Scotland, she might don a kilt. In Hawaii, it’s a hula skirt. And so on.

I took some liberties, borrowing the Cosette image and adding a local element. For one card, “Lei Miz” was the subtitle, because she was wearing a lei. In another, she is in hula pose, so I labeled it as “Lovely (Hula) Lady,” borrowing a tune from the show. The third card depicts Cosette with a surfboard and donning sunglasses, and an apt title: “Catch the waif.” This was an official authorized trademarked image the first time the show played here.

Four specimens of the “Les Miz” noted cards gifted to the cast and crew.

I gave the images a splash of color, and each Cosette wears a hibiscus in her hair. Lei color varied, but red and yellow were prevalent, as I recall.

The show – loaded with music that speaks to a generation of theater players – featured a protagonist who delivers one of blockbuster ballads (“Bring Him Home”), neither he nor the song is promoted in the “Les Miz” annals.

So, I thought Jean Valjean’s prisoner number would be a code to his valor and vigor; did a limited number of cards that simply addressed his numbers: 24601

On the back of the T-shirt card, I expressed my appreciation for a job well done. And borrowed that show’s most quoted line: “To love another person is to see the face of God.”

This expression of dedication and performance — the core of theatrical life — inspired Mr. B’s family and followers to create the I’m a Bright Kid Foundation to preserve and perpetuate his enduring spirit and inspiration. The journey continues.

July 6, 2022July 7, 2022

CASTING DIRECTOR DOVERSOLA DIES

Margaret Doversola, a pioneering casting director who enabled many local actors find roles in the initial era of signature TV series and movies filmed in Hawaii, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, July 1, 2022. She was 78.

She was initially a secretary of the original producer of the Jack Lord-led “Hawaii Five-0.” But her work ethics weren’t unnoticed by Lord, who hired her as his personal assistant, and she was part of the unknown icons of “Five-0,” CBS’s first procedural to be filmed entirely in the islands. Doversola remained close to Lord, until his final days.

Though born in Manchester, England, she relocated with her family to Australia when she was 7, and later immigrated to Hawaii where she earned a degree at BYU-Hawaii, in 1966. She also briefly taught in Utah.

She eventually became assistant casting director for CBS’ second on-location show, “Magnum P.I.,” in 1980, working alongside Tom Selleck to secure island talent and faces for roles in episodic TV here.

Doversola was instrumental in recognizing and signing a string of actors for a variety of shows for more than three decades. She also conducted workshops for newbies in need of skills to survive a casting call.

Among her signees: Jason Momoa, Kelly Hu, Elizabeth Lindsey, Tia Carrere and Branscombe Richmond.

She was known to recognize a face, and enabled unknowns to do extra work, eventually landing them speaking roles. “Margaret was always incredibly positive and cheerful in our auditions,” said Julia Nickson, who went from Liberty House model to on-screen co-star in such vehicles as “Rambo First Blood, Part II,” and “Magnum.”

She rubbed shoulders with a retinue of actors who had film or TV projects here, including Jon Hamm, Carol Burnett, Richard Chamberlain, Ben Affleck, David Hasselhoff, Jim Nabors, Branden Fraser.

Doversola’s daughter, Lane Doversola, said her mom was someone “who loved all people and had a huge heart. My mom was always behind the scenes and instrumental in helping young local talents make their dreams come true landing big roles in Hollywood. However, in my life, she was my hero and the true shining star.”

Other actors shared reaction to Doversola’s passing.

Said actress Elizabeth Lindsey: “Margaret was a beacon for many. She guided our careers with an equal measure of tenacity and kindness… She saw potential in this country girl and gave me my wings to fly. Now it’s time for our beloved mentor and friend to take flight.”

“Margaret Doversola’s encouragement and support for me in her acting workshops inspired me to pursue my acting career at a young age,” said Matt Sato, of the “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D” Disney series filming its second season currently.

Jordan Segundo, TV anchor, actor and singer, said: “Margaret Doversola had an incredible spirit and was a big supporter of local talent. She will be missed.”

Nancy Bernal, entertainment manager, said, “She promoted professionalism and kindness in her acting workshops that she taught for both adults and children.”

Funeral services will be held on July 16, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she was an active member. The church is at 219 Lunalilo Home Road in Hawaii Kai. Visitation will be from 10 a.m., with services from 11 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life from 12:30 to 2 p.m. …

Two productions are extended

Manoa Valley Theatre’s revival production of Lisa Matsumoto’s pidgin-English musical has been extended for three more performances, July 15, 16 and 17, at Kaimuki High School Auditorium.

It was to end July 10, but Da Wicked Queen, Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella will get more giddy times on stage. …

Diamond Head Theatre’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” set to open July 20, already has added shows on Aug. 13 and 14. It’s a Broadway show inspired by the Roald Dahl book that features the story of Charlie Bucket’s quest to visit Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory via a golden ticket hidden in a chocolate bar. …

Broadway grosses, week ending July 3

“The Music Man” and its “76 Trombones” reign over the box office grosses, the week ending July 3. It earned $3.067 million, according to the Broadway League.

There was a bit of a gain for “The Lion King,” which roared to $2,162 million and No. 2 on the charts.

“Hamilton” was a whisker away, but at No. 3, with its take of $2.152 million. …

And that’s Show Biz. …