Wood Craft Ben Wood

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Inmates use muscle to help with Flavors of Honolulu

Six inmates from Waiawa Correctional Facility on a special work release program helped Flavors of Honolulu event manager Janet Maduli set things up for last weekend's food extravaganza. They really made the difficult job of setting up all the tents, tables and chairs, putting up banners, fencing and more so much easier, Janet said. "I would be happy to have them help me set up at any event"...

On our theatrical front, the big news of course is that "Mamma Mia," based on the songs of Abba, will play in Blaisdell Concert Hall May 12-24 next year. Chicago-based Jam theatricals is bringing in the musical. Kumu Kahua Theatre will present Alani Apio's "Kamau" in American Samoa's Festival of Pacific Arts July 20-Aug. 2. Manoa Valley Theatre has added five performances, July 30 -Aug. 3, for a sixth week of "Rocky Horror Show." Diamond Head Theatre opens "The Wizard of Oz" Friday. Dorothy, portrayed by Kalia Medeiros, has big slippers to fill, dancing in right after DHT's smash, "The Producers" ...

Alfred "Sup" Hong, who shared ownership of Moiliili's Charley's Tavern before it closed, celebrated both his 90th birthday and 67 years of wedded bliss to wife, Vera, at Formaggio's Wine Bar Sunday with 90 family members and friends ... Chicago Bears' head coach Lovie Smith was spotted this week at Leilani's on the Beach at Kaanapali ... The Hula Hoolauna Aloha Festival, featuring halau from Japan and Hawaii, runs next weekend. Dancers perform on Ala Moana Center stage next Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Japanese groups will hold a competition at Waikiki Shell July 13, 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; free ...

MELVEEN LEED DOING BIRTHDAY SHOW IN VEGAS

Melveen Leed will celebrate a significant birthday by doing a show at Sam's Club in Las Vegas July 19. Mel Cabang will be her guest and their skit is bound to be a kick. Singer-musicians Tito Berinobis and Kiki Hugho are in the show. On July 27, Melveen will perform at the 60th reunion of Roosevelt High's Class of 1948 at a Waialae Country Club luncheon. Retired Hawaii Newspaper Guild Administrative officer Roy Kruse is chairing the reunion that also includes a reception July 25 at Oahu Country Club ... Don't forget that on July 25-26, Roosevelt will celebrate the grand opening of its renovated auditorium with shows by Willie K, 6:30 p.m. Call 595-3120 for $25 tickets ... I am on vacation and will return to work July 21. The next Wood Craft will appear on July 23 ...