'LES Miserables," now playing at the Blaisdell Concert Hall, is simply superb. The voices and acting by the entire cast are outstanding. Craig Schulman is terrific as Jean Valjean. Robert Longo as Valjean's relentless pursuer, Inspector Javert, is so believeable that he was both booed (for tormenting the good Valjean) and cheered for his talent. Lea Salonga lives up to expectations. She's a treat as the lovesick Eponine. Her solo of "On My Own" is a knockout. J.P. Dougherty and Kelly Ebsary are priceless as an unscrupulous couple who would sell their mothers in a minute. They really are funny and bring needed laughter to the serious story. Hawaii's gifts to the musical, Ryan Rumbaugh, 10, as Gavroch and Janel Meilani Parrish as Young Cossete and Young Eponine are perfect. The sets and costumes are tops. Don't miss this show ...ONWARD: Miss Hawaii Melissa Short is well liked by the room service crew at the Claridge Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. Instead of the normal carnation in a vase on the room service tray, the waiters make carnation leis - flowers taped together, not strung - for her tray. Melissa goes for the gold tonight. See the Miss America pageant at 8 p.m. on KHNL ...
ABOUT 400 people grazed through Nick's Fishmarket last Saturday, getting a mini-taste of chef Eugenio Martignago's lastest dishes. G.M. David Nagaishi and managers Zyron Schoniwitz (known as Z), Ivan Walker, Stuart Schroeder and Jason Ross kept things running smoothly despite the mob scene. Later in the evening, Dan and Nancy Daniels celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary at Nick's because that's where they first met. Nancy is the former P.R. director of the Kahala Hilton and is now with the Outrigger chain. The Daniels picked Ryan's Grill Wednesday night to celebrate Dan's 50th birthday. There's something to be said for guys named Zyron Schoniwitz and Daniel Daniels but I don't know what it is...
A LUNCHEON show to benefit Randy Lee is being organized by Irmgard Aluli and Nalani Olds Napoleon, who will emcee along with Karen Keawehawaii. Randy, 64, former manager of the Halekulani who became owner of the Willows, has cancer. The Sept. 29 benefit will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Dole Ballroom at Dole Cannery Square. Tickets are $35. Call Dick Rodby for reservations, 621-8481. Puamana, Kealoha Kalama's trio and dancers, Boyce Rodrigues and Kimo and Anuhea Brown have already signed up to perform. There will be many more ... An antique auction to benefit Girl Scouts is on tap next Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m., at the Girl Scout House, 420 Wyllie St. Admission is $30, $25 for those with Aloha Week ribbons. Entry fee includes champagne and ice cream ...TRAVEL & Leisure Magazine in its September issue, its 25th anniversary issue, lists 25 cities in the world where a restaurant critic in the city was asked to pick two restaurants where he or she eats "when they're picking up the tab." For his "lavish" spot, Honolulu magazine's John Heckathorn picked Alan Wong's. For "fun," Heckathorn names Russell Siu's Kakaako Kitchen, which sells plate lunches ...
THE KAHALA Mandarin will kick off Aloha Festivals activities with a Sunday brunch tomorrow in the Plumeria Beach Cafe, featuring hula by 30 keiki at 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. Isle artists will demonstrate featherwork, watercolor painting, koa woodwork and other mediums during the week on the grounds. The dolphins perform daily at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. No word yet if they'll wear leis ...
