GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLRIN.COM Local comic Frank DeLima reprises many of his favorite characters during his return to the Palace Showroom in Waikiki.

DeLima mixes
memories, mimicry

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By John Berger
jberger@starbulletin.com

Never underestimate "Pocho Prince" Frank DeLima. He's back in Waikiki with a show unlike any he's done before. DeLima gets things rolling with a surprise opening. He then spends 40 minutes or so in a rocking chair, reminiscing for the most part, about his childhood in Pauoa Valley, and how he learned to entertain by imitating the people around him.

The listening preferences of his Japanese neighbors exposed him to Japanese-language KOHO radio, friends turned him on to Japanese superhero Kazekozo, a baby sitter introduced him to Chinese traditions, and so on. DeLima also talks about his own mixed-plate ethnic background. In spite of the persona he's created for himself, he isn't actually pure "Portagee."

He shares a few of his scholastic misadventures, recalls his dreams of becoming a Catholic priest, and explains how a job as a tour guide led to his first comedy album and the 12-year engagement at the Noodle Shop that made him a local star.

This show marks the first time in 26 years as Hawaii's definitive purveyor of local-style ethnic comedy that DeLima has told the stories behind his comic characters and revealed the way they are rooted in his past.

DeLima is an engaging storyteller, and punctuates his tales with songs. "Five Foot Three" recalls his dating years in high school. "Haole Food Blues" describes the trauma of attending college on the mainland (both songs are included on his current "Silva Anniversary" album; he plugs the album and his new dual purpose Frank DeLima T-shirt later in the show and demonstrates how to use the shirt as a Halloween mask).

Frank Delima In 'Noodle Shop Days' Where: Palace Showroom, Ohana Reef Towers, 227 Lewers St. When: 8:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Admission: $19.50 Call: 923-7469

The characters and costumes come later. DeLima dons Japanese-style attire to recreate the glory days of old-time Radio KOHO. The sketch is a classic, but the news bulletins are contemporary. One item clarifies that "Osama is not a Japanese name." Another warns that something in the air at Honolulu Hale can cause Japanese-American City Council members to do irrational things.

Chinese rock star Bruce Springroll sings "Born A Tight Pake" and his version of "I'm on Fire." Veteran sumotori Lolobono displays his hula moves with "E Huli Makou."

Imelda and Tita Turner are the stars of the show as usual. Imelda returns in her "Filipino Christmas" terno (butterfly-sleeve dress) to sing "When Manang Loves Manong" and "I Left My Shoes in My Manila."

Turner's "Bowling Like A Tita," another perennial favorite, is DeLima at his over-the-top cross-dressing best. "Waimea Lullaby," his 1980 Hoku Award-winner, is in there, too. And, although "Noodle Shop Days" is the theme, DeLima includes a few of his more recent hits. "Smashing Da Cock-a-roach-a," his Ricky Martin spoof, for one.

DeLima's staging of "Lucille" displays his finesse working one-on-one with audience members. The personal touch is also the key when he brings a birthday celebrant to the stage.

Guitarist Robert "Bobby" Nishida has never seemed more at ease in his role as DeLima's master of ceremonies. David Kauahikaua creates all the other instruments and sound effects on his Korg keyboard.

Although providing basic good fun entertainment is obviously DeLima's primary purpose, his references to contemporary concerns make the new show more than an escapist comfort-food experience. In looking back, DeLima is also looking forward, and after 26 years in local comedy he still has fresh ideas and new laughs to share.

It's great to have him back in Waikiki.

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