Hawaii
Make it there,
or make it anywhereIF THE TABLES at Michel's could only talk! Liza Minnelli, whose Osbourne-like reality TV show with her bizarre-looking husband fell through, was assuaging any disappointment she may have felt at Michel's on the Colony Surf, as it's now called. Just prior to Liza's visit, Hollywood producer Gary Marshall celebrated his 40th anniversary at Michel's. He seems to specialize in weird couplings, having produced not just "The Odd Couple, but also "Laverne & Shirley," "Pretty Woman" and "Beaches." Marshall has been holidaying in the Islands for a great many years, practically since the then-Kahala Hilton was built ...
AND during HIS annual vacation, Harry Wayne Casey had the first of what promises to be several visits to Matteo's because that's the way he likes it. You may know Casey better by his professional spelling, K.C. of Sunshine Band fame ... And dropping by Don Ho's Island Grill for dinner was Anthony Ruivivar, with wife Yvonne and baby Kainoa. Anthony was taking a break from his role on TV's "Third Watch." ... Big wave rider Titus Kinimaka must be loving all the big wave action, though he did take time to dine at Duke's Canoe Club Kauai over New Year ...
Hold the music
I'VE often complained about the fact that musicals are so popular (and bring in the bucks) in the islands that straight plays don't get enough play. Well, as Keith Jackson, the football announcer, would say, "Whoa, Nellie!" We mentioned that Manoa Valley Theatre is producing "Visiting Mr. Green," a two-man show featuring Glenn Cannon in the titular role; Kumu Kahua is producing "A Little Bit Like You" through Feb. 9 with actor Dann Seki making his directorial debut; Diamond Head Theatre will be staging "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" from Jan. 31 to Feb. 16 with Bill Ogilvie directing; Joyce Maltby is directing Gardiner McKay's touching "Sea Marks" at HPU Theatre, also Jan. 31 to Feb. 16; and TAG, The Actor's Group will be staging the hilarious yet ultimately serious "Art" at the Yellow Brick Theatre on Keawe Street. just off Queen, Feb. 5 to March 2. I'm directing this one and was lucky to get an all professional cast. That is, it features David Farmer (a lawyer), Mark Stitham (a psychiatrist) and Russell Motter (an Iolani School teacher.) Holding out is Army Community Theatre where Brad Powell is rehearsing its upcoming musical, "Godspell." ...
Frisco kids
IT was like old home week for David & Nery Heenan when they visited San Francisco where David spoke to the Commonwealth Club about his latest book, "Double Lives." After his talk the Heenans were hosted to dinner at Le Colonial Restaurant by Jeff & Mary Bitterman. She was once head of KHET in Honolulu and its sister PBS station in S.F. before becoming CEO of the James Irvine Foundation ... The Heenans also dined at the Zuni Cafe with Simone & Seamus McManus, first G.M. of the Kahala Mandarin and now running Meadowood, one of the most restful and beautiful resorts in Northern California. It's located in Napa, and often hosts the annual Napa Wine Auction.
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