Photographer pairs skills with acting gig in ‘Les Miz’

If you’re in the cast of a locally produced musical, you logically can’t see it simply because you’re in it.

Photographer Chris Gritti, who plays the Foreman and other ensemble roles in "Les Misérables" (in rehearsals for a Sept. 20 launch at Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College), realizes that dilemma and has come up with a partial solution. He shoots and posts behind-the-scenes shots from "Les Miz" rehearsals so his peers can have a peek at their craft and their progress.

The "Les Miz" Facebook page documents solo and crowd shots, displays director Ron Bright consulting with an actor or simply brimming with gleeful pride, and lots more. To date, Gritti has posted more than 320 images and counting — opening night still is nearly three weeks away.

"It’s such a fun and willing group; that makes documenting the whole process a real joy for me," says Gritti, who shoots with a Canon 5D, a Canon Rebel T1i and a GoPro Hero Black. He favors the Canons but the GoPro enables wide stage scenes — and he can even be in those shots, too.

At three separate rehearsals to interview principals for a forthcoming story in the Star-Advertiser’s TGIF, I noticed Gritti periodically hopping about to adjust his cameras. By sharing these pics, his hobby provides a positive thrust for his fellow actors, expands camaraderie and confidence and creates buzz. Alas, the online gallery is exclusively for cast and crew. …

Meanwhile, producer Tom Holowach has finally cleared legal hurdles with MTI (Music Theatre International), with helpful intervention by Joy Abbott, to officially solidify a weeklong extension through Oct. 27, including add-on Wednesday evening shows. Call the box office at 235-7310 to book space. …

DATEBOOK: Frank De Lima will put a comic spin on Grandparents Day when he presents a brunch performance from noon Sept. 8 at C’est Si Bon at the Pagoda Floating Restaurant. Doors open at 10 a.m. for brunch service from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. — a prime rib menu accentuated by breakfast items, plus chicken and fish entrees, salad and dessert — at $40 for adults, $21.50 for children ages 3 to 8. Call 948-8370 or go to www.pagodahawaii.com. Reservations are suggested, since De Lima and Na Kolohe anticipate a sellout. …

Jordan Segundo returns to the cirque-centric "Aloha Live Show" at the Queen Kapiolani starting Wednesday. He will perform Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Segundo rejoins the show after gigging on the mainland. Call 931-3328. He also performs at the Celebrities and Their Pets fashion show, with Al Waterson emceeing, Saturday and Sept. 8 at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. …

HAWAIIAN ALOHA: Condolences to the ManoaDNA and ‘Iolani Sportswear ohana; matriarch Edith Kawakami died Aug. 6 at the Arcadia. She always had a sunny disposition. Son Lloyd Kawakami, who runs the fashion factory-shop with wife Carla Kawakami, also is the leader of the ManoaDNA group, which explains the abundant Hawaiiana at the funeral at Hosoi Mortuary: Mele were performed by Eddie Kamae and Danny Kaleikini, with Neil Hannahs and Palani Vaughan among other participants. …

FILM CLIPS: "Dave Shoji: The Man Behind the Miracles" provides an up-close and personal look at the extraordinary career of the University of Hawaii Rainbow Wahine volleyball coach. Directed by Phil Arnone, the documentary airs at 9 p.m. Thursday on KGMB and again at 9 p.m. Sept. 8 on KHNL. …

"Kumu Hina," a documentary by Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson about a transgender Native Hawaiian teacher and cultural leader, has been green-lighted by Pacific Islanders in Communications and ITVS (Independent Television Service), so it’s destined for film festivals in 2014 and a TV broadcast in 2015. Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, a kumu at Halau Lokahi who changed from male to female more than two decades ago, is the centerpiece of the doc, which examines the mahu culture prevalent in Pacific island culture. …

And that’s "Show Biz." …

Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist; reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com; read his Show and Tell Hawaii blog at www.staradvertiser.com.