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Mel Cabang would never pass the physical for "divahood" but the "bolo head" comedian made an excellent fourth star in a thoroughly entertaining show as the surviving Local Divas -- Melveen Leed, Carole Kai and Nohelani Cypriano -- presented their long-anticipated tribute to the late Loyal Garner, "This One's For You, Loyal," at the Sheraton Waikiki last night. Comic Cabang spices up
Divas’ lively tribute to LoyalLaughter and tears mark a splendid
show at the Sheraton WaikikiReviewed By John Berger
jberger@starbulletin.comCabang quickly got the crowd on his side with comments on growing up Filipino, his experiences with female prison guards, and his search for female companionship.
He was even hotter and faster trading punchlines with Leed as the twosome tangled in an improv sketch that had cab driver Leed taking Cabang through Honolulu.
Cabang returned in dapper disco attire to break up the Divas' carefully choreographed rendition of "Dancing Queen." Cabang dipped Kai smoothly -- and then dropped her when the seductive Leed caught his eye. He followed up by persistently interjecting himself into the number and made it a four-way comic workout.
It was a great show and a great night for each of the Divas as well. Kai brought down the house with her powerful and passionate rendition of "This Is My Life," the song Garner had insisted she relearn and sing for her. Kai, who also played piano and included a Christian song acknowledging Jesus as "the reason for the [Christmas] season," certainly reaffirmed her ability to radiate sexual sizzle. Her Carole King medley, "I Feel The Earth Move" and "It's Too Late," also rocked.
Leed looked great as she lip-synched and danced to a disco remix of "Paniolo Country" with members of the Tau Dance Company. She beamed with pride when her beautiful daughter, Kaula Naluai, came out for a hula. Leed closed her solo set by dedicating "What I Did For Love" to Garner.
"Baby Diva" Cypriano shared an original, "Puleleua," written in memory of her mother, and dedicated "The First Noel," to Garner. The late Lady of Love was seen in video clips of concert performances and tour footage, a Divas rehearsal, and an interview clip in which she spoke of her battle with cancer and implored everyone to get regular check-ups.
And so there were some tears along with the laughs and the beautiful moments as Leed, Kai, Cypriano, and their guests performed, but from the Divas' patriotic red-white-and-blue opening number through the one-two punch of their finale with the City of Refuge Church Choir, it as a grand send-off for Garner and a fine show for the Divas and their fans.