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On the Scene John Berger |
John Hirokawa receives
a Merlin Award
THEY'RE BLESSED: John Hirokawa talked with his wife, Nadine, in the Magic of Polynesia Showroom shortly before he received the 2004 International Magicians Society Merlin Award for "Most Original" magic show on Friday. Hirokawa touched the heart during his acceptance speech when he invited the audience to "find God" and thanked his wife for her love and support through the years.
VISITING VIPS: Remington Scott, left, world president of the International Magicians Society, and Tony Hassini, IMS Chairman/CEO, presented the award. More than 400 people attended and enjoyed a retrospective of Hirokawa's life and career. Guests included Jimmy Yoshida, Hirokawa's first professional mentor and "Ragtime" star Crystal Williams, who enjoys world-class magic shows.
AND HEEEEEERE'S MERLIN!:Troy Iwamoto, left, representing Roberts Hawaii, and emcee Bill Van Osdol, right, congratulated John Hirokawa after the program. Iwamoto's father, Robert Iwamoto Jr., helped launch the original version of "Magic of Polynesia" and then built a new $7-million venue for it at the Waikiki Beachcomber in 1998.
See the Columnists section for some past articles.
John Berger has covered the local
entertainment scene since 1972. Contact
him at jberger@starbulletin.com.
