Two former Hawaii actors with theatrical backgrounds are ramping up their show biz stripes as the new year unfolds. Yes, we’re darn proud and thrilled for both of ‘em:
>> Joseph Morales, of Mililani, has been cast as Alexander Hamilton in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s second national tour of the juggernaut “Hamilton.” The tour, already underway, will cover 20 cities. We saw Morales in the title role in the Chicago cast; this gig will galvanize his credentials.
>> Keala Settle, a stage actress with Laie roots (we’ve seen her on Broadway in “Waitress” and “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”), has a major secondary role in the film musical, “The Greatest Showman.” She plays Lettie Lutz, the bearded lady, alongside Hugh Jackman as the entrepreneurial circus magnate P.T. Barnum. Her near-the-finale solo, “This Is Me” — a battle cry for those maligned and bullied for being different — is a show-stopper.
Morales is in San Diego now through Jan. 28 and will continue to ride the “Hamilton” tsunami: Tempe, Ariz., opening on Jan. 30, Seattle on Feb. 6, Denver on Feb. 27, Portland on March 20, St. Louis, Mo., on April 3, Salt Lake City on April 11, Houston on April 24, Costa Mesa, Calif., on May 8, Atlanta on May 22, Las Vegas on May 29, Washington, D.C., on June 12, Des Moines, Iowa, on June 27, Boston on Sept. 18, and Charlotte, N.C., on Oct. 10. More dates are forthcoming; perhaps Morales can persuade the producers to eventually include Honolulu.
Morales, who earlier toured in Miranda’s “In the Heights,” has not been available to comment; his co-star as Aaron Burr is Nik Walker.
Hawaii fans may want to head for one of the aforementioned cities to catch him. The original Broadway production, now in its second season, grossed an unprecedented $157.8 million last year, fueling the Great White Way’s year-ending revenues of $1.64 billion. Warning: Premium ticketing prices will prevail, so start your searches for dates when seats will become available. …
Actress Settle, who renders the tune composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (of “La La Land” and “Dear Evan Hansen”), may be performing “This Is Me” on tonight’s Golden Globe Awards telecast, since it is nominated as best song (watch live at 3 p.m. on NBC, with a repeat at 7 p.m.). An Oscar nomination could follow. The tune deals with minorities facing discrimination, and it resonated with the Hawaii performer.
According to a Huffington Post interview, Settle confided in leading man Jackson for comfort and support, since her No. 1 fan, her mom Suzanne, had died. She said she was conflicted and confused, often feeling “I don’t fit in.” Jackman told her, “It’s all right, babe; we got you,” taking her under his wing. …
SHE SAID ‘YES’
Jasmine Yoshino, line captain at the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s Star Lite Luau, had just performed a hula to Teddy Randazzo’s romantic tune, “I Love You” (popularized locally by Marlene Sai), on New Year’s Eve when her beau, Sean Carney, a journeyman for construction company Nan Inc., got on stage with a ring and a proposal of marriage. She said “yes” before a throng of 450. …
CLONES FROM ‘THRONES’
Over at the Sheraton Waikiki’s RumFire club, New Year’s Eve featured an impressive “Game of Thrones: Seven Kingdoms” celebration, with a spectacular cast assembled by Derek Daniels, who provided a visual feast of costumed troupers (many in fur with spectacular headgear, with one on stilts) in the spirit of the HBO series. …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
