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Three members of the late Ron Bright’s family — his widow Moira “Mo” Bright, son Clarke Bright and wife Lynell Bright — were guests at a pre-opening screening of Disney’s “Moana” animated film at the Pasadena Convention Center recently.
That’s because Chris Bright, son of Clarke and Lynell and grandson of Ron and Mo, had a behind-the-scenes role in the making of “Moana.” Chris, who is employed by Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, assisted the studio in running over lines with isle actress and star-in-the-making Auli‘i Cravalho, who voices the title role.
“The movie was followed by a party for 1,800 people, where hundreds lined up to take pictures of Auli‘i,” said Mo Bright.
Co-starring Dwayne Johnson, the isle actor who voices Maui the demigod, the film opens Wednesday here and abroad as a looming holiday-season hit. Johnson’s portrayal of Maui, however, faces possible criticism among die-hard Polynesians because of the depiction of Maui as somewhat buffoonish with oodles of tattoos. This, amid Johnson’s latest laurel: being named People mag’s Sexiest Man Alive. …
Twins Jordan and Aaron Kandell, sons of Lloyd and Sherri Kandell of Honolulu, had a red-carpet experience (times two, of course) when they attended the L.A. premiere of “Moana” on Monday at the fabled El Capitan Theatre. …
CHRISTMAS WITH CADENCE
It’s going to be a busy holiday season for Streetlight Cadence, the splendid alternative-folk-pop foursome with lots of bounce and personality.
The group, comprising Jonathan Franklin, violin; Brian Webb, cello; Chaz Umamoto, guitar; and Jesse Shiroma, accordion and foot percussion, has been doing a round of California shows this month, including multiple concerts at Downtown Disney in Anaheim. Cadence will be dropping an anticipated Christmas album prior to a series of private and public shows at Honolulu hotels, malls and concert halls in December, so expect a festive and frolicsome visit.
Among the public performances requiring admission: the Ben and Maila (that’s Vegas and Gibson, respectively) Christmas concert Dec. 18 at the Ala Moana Hotel and a Blue Note Hawaii gig Dec. 19. Sounds like a marvelously merry season ahead. …
TOYS FOR TOTS
ManoaDNA, the father-and-sons trio, will make its Blue Note Hawaii debut at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Dec. 20. The event coincides with the group’s annual Toys for Tots campaign, in which they hope to collect 500 new, unwrapped toys. Ten Marine Corps reps are expected to be on hand to help promote the toy drive coordinated by Alx Kawakami, (brother to Nick Kawakami and son of dad Lloyd Kawakami). Donations of toys or money can also be dropped off at the family’s Iolani Sportswear headquarters at 1234 Kona St. …
HERE, THERE, EVERYWHERE …
Jacob Batalon, who plays Ned Leeds (Peter Parker’s best buddy) in the forthcoming “Spider-Man: Homecoming” flick, spoke recently at his alma mater, Damien Memorial School. He said the trailer will be out Dec. 16, when “Star Wars: Rogue One” debuts. Batalon did all three TV morning shows here and trekked to Kauai before returning to the mainland. …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran Honolulu entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or email wayneharada@gmail.com.
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