When Johnson Enos’ updated "Honu by the Sea — The Musical" premieres Sept. 9 at the Hawaii Theatre, two new cast members will join the company.
Jacquelyn Holland-Wright, the Kailua-born actress known as Jac, will appear as Lehua, the mother turtle, in the family-friendly show about denizens of the sea threatened by marine debris. Guy Merola, who has appeared in numerous theatrical roles here, will be Slicker, the villainous sea monster threatening the sea, its species and the reefs.
Holland-Wright, whose mentors include the late Ron Bright, is a 20-year veteran of Las Vegas’ "Broadway West" community, where she has performed as Donna Sheridan, the mom in "Mamma Mia," and currently headlines "Soap Star" in "Menopause the Musical" at Harrah’s Improv Showroom.
Merola has starred in Diamond Head Theatre and Manoa Valley Theatre musicals and was a co-founder and chief operating officer of Commercial Data Systems for nearly three decades. He now is a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Advantage Realty.
Admission is $5 and $10, but family VIP packages starting at $55 include early entrance and first dibs at choice general admission seats, parking at Mark’s Garage, a drink at the theater bar and an autographed show poster.
Information: 528-0506. …
THE LOCAL ANGLE: Old habits prevail, according to singer Joy Abbott. At her performance at Arcadia Retirement Residence last week, the Na Hoku Hanohano-winning jazz stylist embraced Broadway and Hollywood via tunes like "I Wish You Love," "Smile" and "Hey There." She said that whenever she’s home and rehearsing with "Lady Fingers" Betty Loo Taylor, they chow on poke, poi, pipikaula and O’Toole’s beer. They’re school chums from Punahou.
Dean Robert Stroker, who oversees Temple University’s George and Joy Abbott Center for Musical Theater, flew in from Philly for the show. Abbott, a Temple alumna, bequeathed the rights and future royalties of the Abbott show catalog to the school’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. …
DOGGONE IT: There’s a softer side to bounty hunters Duane and Beth Chapman. For instance, the Chapmans met a Make-a-Wish child from California at their Da Kine Bail Bonds office last month, spending an hour with the lad and his parents. Last year "Dog" drove four hours in a mainland storm to visit a dying 17-year-old boy, granting another Make-a-Wish request. And Chapman provides his private cell number and email so the children he meets can communicate and update him on their progress. …
SIGHT ‘EMS: Nearly every time I dine at Alan Takasaki‘s Le Bistro in Niu Valley, I run into entertainment pals. Latest sight ’ems: Comedian Frank De Lima, winding up a month of birthday celebrations, and musician Kit Samson, on a simple night out. News anchor Joe Moore is a regular patron. …
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 staradvertiser.com.
