On The Scene John Berger

'The Tide Is High' taping

"THE TIDE IS HIGH," an original local sitcom, is being taped in the studios of Oceanic Time Warner Cable.

Stephanie Sanchez displayed her comic skills during the July 24 taping. She and Jenn Boneza star as two friends straight out of UH-Manoa who open a coffeehouse in Chinatown. Sanchez plays the zany one, goodhearted but always rushing into things. Kala'i Miller has a recurring role as the "hunk" she has a crush on. Desmond Gilla and Derek Calibre play coffeehouse customers.

In the first episode, which producer/director Jon Brekke says will air in November on OC16, Sanchez's character tries to boost the shop's income with a yoga class that she conducts by listening to an instructional tape on headphones and parroting the instructions. Think Lucille Ball for the new millennium.

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM Stephanie Sanchez, left, and Jenn Boneza on the set of "The Tide Is High." CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM "Tide" producer/director Jon Brekke and Brie Bumatai. CLICK FOR LARGE

JOHN BERGER / JBERGER@STARBULLETIN.COM Desmond Gilla (Manfred) and Derek Calibre (Lance), in character on the set. CLICK FOR LARGE