"Kismet" cast party at Compadres

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
JanDee Abraham, left, Buz Tennent and Shawna Masuda celebrated the opening of Army Community Theatre's production of "Kismet" during the cast party Nov. 19 at Compadres. Tennent is excellent in the lead role of "the poet sometimes called Hajj," Masuda delightful as his daughter, and Abraham adds a fine comic performance as Lalume, the wife of the evil Wazir. "Kismet" closes this weekend. Call 438-4480.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Elizabeth "Bit" Harrison, left, congratulated Shawna Masuda on her performance as Marsinah, the poet's daughter, and we second that emotion. Masuda proves herself a perfect romantic lead, dominates almost every scene she's in, and makes "Stranger In Paradise" enchanting indeed.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Buz Tennent partied with gal pal Kanthi de Alwis. Tennent gives a well-shaded portrayal of "the poet" as an honorable con man, and makes "Fate" one of the strongest musical numbers.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
Jim Hesse, left, who puts a slight comic spin on the role of poet Omar Khayyam, talked with show sponsor James Berger (no relation) of Saab Hawaii.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM
JanDee Abraham welcomed Darren Kimura to the "Kismet" cast party. Kimura opted out of the ACT show but opens tonight as Mr. Mushnik in "Little Shop of Horrors" at UH-Manoa.