THREE FOR 'TEA': Playwright Velina Hasu Houston, left, treated her daughter, Kuniko-Leilani Houston, and her mother, Setsuko Perry, to a week in Hawaii when she came over from California for the Thursday-night opening of Kumu Kahua's production of "Tea." Houston's play captures the experiences of Japanese war brides and their American husbands after World War II in particularly gripping style because it comes directly from stories shared by her mother and her mother's friends. The opening-night reception was especially memorable for the cast because they were able to get the playwright's insights and also talk to one of the women whose story is told in the show (BullDog designed the lighting that gives one pivotal scene in this production of "Tea" added dramatic impact).

SHE DID IT!: "Tea" cast members Tess Yong, left, and Karen Kuioka Hironaga enjoyed the post-show reception. Although not a war bride herself, Yong said she could identify with them. She grew up in Korea when many Koreans ostracized women who had relationships with American servicemen and others quietly envied them; she also didn't speak English when her parents brought her to Hawaii. Among her goals when she arrived were to learn English and then perform in a full-length English play. With her stellar work in "Tea," she's now done both.

IT'S GETTING COLD IN HERE: Patrice Gray, left, Maia Knudsen-Schule and Ellorin Joy Davis found the Kumu Kahua Theatre a bit too chilly for comfort and decided to share a blanket after intermission. Davis stole the show as Amneris in the Saint Louis Players' production of "Aida" last spring.

BOBBY'S BACK: Bobby Brooks, third from left, and gal pal Robin Christensen, right, stopped by the Miramar Waikiki late Thursday to catch up with Booker Hewlett and Bernie Hernandez. Brooks' career as a celebrity impersonator has gone straight up since he left Hawaii in 2001. He has his own full-length show and is doing concerts and television bits, too.

A NEW NA LEO: Keith Olsen joined Na Leo -- Angie Morales, left, Lehua Heine and Nalani Choy -- Tuesday at Avex Honolulu Studio for a party previewing their next album, "Feel the Spirit." Olsen is producing Na Leo as solo voices rather than the traditional trio. The music tracks are completely mainstream as well.