Hawaii
Diamond Head’s
‘Mame,’ opening
tonight, is a gemTHE best musical Jerry Herman ever wrote, "Mame," opens tonight at Diamond Head Theatre. Things were a bit tough at the big benefit preview Wednesday night with star Shari Lynn doing her grand opening with a microphone that wasn't working, giving her exactly what the role doesn't call for, a quiet presence in the roiling atmosphere that permeates her Beekman Place residence. There were other pre-opening delays and glitches, but none that shouldn't be corrected by tonight. Usually the title character is portrayed by a comic actress who can sing -- Angela Lansbury did it on Broadway and Linda Ryan when the musical was last done in Honolulu in 1991. DHT's version stars Lynn, primarily a singer, and her ballad, "If He Walked Into My Life," was her best and most moving moment -- a song she might well do in concert. Another clear audience favorite was Kanoa Goo as Mame's 10-year-old nephew Patrick Dennis. Herman's score is easily his best, and for all its shortcomings, the DHT production should do well at the box office ... I admit to a potential bias, having directed the '91 production for Army Community Theatre ...
AND no sooner does "Mame" get on the boards than DHT moves quickly into plans for the next show, "Titanic." Auditions are being held April 5 to 7 at the DHT rehearsal hall, and Jennifer Waldman, who spent two years in the Broadway cast and national touring company of the musical, is directing. I asked frequent DHT musical star Larry Paxton if he were planning to audition, and he replied that now that a director has been named, "I'm thinking about it." One other actor who was at the "Mame" preview says he's auditioning. Douglas Sheer, who has dropped an incredible 65 pounds, says he's trimmed his sails, so to speak, and is ready to board "Titanic." Shouldn't someone tell him how it ends? ...
Bronx cheer
POSSIBLY the last place you'd expect to find a Bronx Deli is on Sand Island Access Road, but that's the location Tony Spadaro chose for his. The owner refers to the deli as "A carnivore's dream," an odd sentiment from the same fellow who just opened the all-veggie Mr. Goodburger's on Queen Street. Something for everyone, I guess ...AFTER celebrating their anniversary of performing at the Royal's Mai Tai Bar and Surf Room, Keith & Carmen Haugen are taking next week off to cruise from San Diego to Hawaii on Holland America Lines. Haugen will do some lecturing on Hawaiian music on the cruise, preparing folks for what to expect when they reach the islands. The two return to the Royal on April 2 and 3 ...
Saluting the Aunties
MARK April 12 on your calendar. That's when the wonderful Amy Hanaiali'i performs at the Hawaii Theatre's "Hana Hou" series, saluting three famous musical aunties who've made it big: Genoa Keawe, Kealoha Kalama and Leina'ala Haili. The concert will also mark the debut of Amy's new band, featuring Barry Flanagan (formerly with Hapa), Sonny Cruz Jr. and Jack Ofoia. Music from Amy's newest album, "Pu'uhonua," will also be featured. Tickets are available at the Hawaii Theatre box office or by calling 528-0506 ...
Dave Donnelly has been writing on happenings
in Hawaii for the Star-Bulletin since 1968.
The Week That Was recalls items from Dave's 30 years of columns.Contact Dave by e-mail: ddonnelly@starbulletin.com