---

Mato’s kissing in
‘South Pacific’
upsets teenager’s
voice teacher

TOO MUCH KISSY-KISSY: Cheryl Bartlett enjoyed the 'Iolani Dramatic Players' production of "South Pacific" but confesses she closed her eyes whenever Jakara Mato, who starred as Nellie Forbush, kissed Emmanuel Zibakalam (Emile de Becque). Mato has been studying voice with Bartlett since she was 9, and although Mato is now a junior in high school, Bartlett wasn't comfortable watching the kissing scenes ... Donna Kekumu, mother of Mahi'ai Kekumu, the choreographer and star of the Saint Louis Players' production of "Aida" at Mamiya Theatre, likewise found her son's kissing scenes with Leihoku Pederson Ellsworth uncomfortably realistic. Catch Ellorin Joy Davis reprising her show-stealing performance as Amneris today and tomorrow ...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: To Jonathan "iNTREPiD" Sypert, who is celebrating today ... also to Art Todd (Friday), Charles Degala (Monday), Jack Cione (Tuesday), and Kim Taylor Reece (Wednesday) ...

CONGRATULATIONS: To Jasmine Trias, whose first local recording, "Flying Home," has sold more than 10,000 copies since it went on sale at Hawaii Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Hawaii Feb. 27. Trias' CD-single sells for $1.99 with any purchase but is already going for as much as $7.99 on eBay ...

SAME FAMILY TRAITS: Army Community Theatre Stage Manager Kristi Kashimoto is delighted her baby sister, Mililani High School senior Kayla Haunani Kashimoto, has a role in ACT's production of "Miss Saigon." She plays one of the bar girls. Kristi debuted in a big way in a bawdy role in Diamond Head Theatre's 1998 production of "Nine," and says Kayla "has the same family traits" that took her from here to Broadway. ACT's staging of "Miss Saigon" continues with performances tomorrow and Saturday ...

GRAB THIS TUNE!: Government agencies and visitor industry entities looking for a catchy youth-oriented song for an advertising or promotional campaign need look no further than "Hele on Down to Hawaii Nei" by Heart and Soul. The song has the same potential as "These Islands" by Danny Couch. Why pay someone to throw something together when there's good stuff already out there? Find it at www.neosproductions.com ...