Show Biz: Comedian Rap Reiplinger’s widow to release his biography in spring

Author Leesa Stone, widow of comedian Rap Reiplinger, is looking to a spring release of his biography, “Paradise to Paradise: The Rap Reiplinger Story.”

The project is going full circle, reconnecting Reiplinger with folks from three decades ago.

Stone has renewed ties with publisher Buddy Bess of Bess Press, who in 1984 — after Reiplinger’s death — helped publish “Rap Reiplinger’s How You Figgah,” his Ripley’s Believe It or Not-style book.

Bess’ son-in-law David DeLuca, now actively involved in Bess Press affairs since Buddy is semi-retired, has hopped aboard and corralled a group of other locals like Kelsey Ige, creative director for Hawaii Business magazine, who will design the cover. “Kelsey was so cute when I offered her the job — she was really excited because she said her parents raised her on Rap’s comedy,” said Stone. “I told her it sounded like her parents raised her right! Kelsey also listened to some of Rap’s recordings while working on the cover.”

Tamara Moan, local writer, will edit; and Kitty Yannone (formerly, Lagareta), CEO of Communications Pacific, will handle publicity. Coincidentally, Yannone was a member of Reiplinger’s improv comedy group, HATS. “I interviewed Kitty for the HATS portion of the group,” said Stone. “She is a hoot.”

Stone shared a preliminary copy of the “Poi Dog” chapter with recording exec Jon de Mello, of Mountain Apple Co. He mentored Reiplinger from that era that produced such hits as “Fate Yanagi,” and he advised her to take the time and produce a biography with the substance and attention it deserved.

Stone assures me the book “will be out before May.” Can’t wait to relive some of those wacky memories. …

SONG FOR HERB

Herb “Ohta-san” Ohta, whose “Song for Anna” instrumental was the first-ever ukulele tune to chart on Billboard, in the mid-1970s, is recuperating at home after a brief medical emergency and hospitalization last month. He was in intensive care, then a nursing facility, but is finally home. “He seems to be doing fine, though he has lost a lot of weight … but his senses are still sharp,” said Roy Sakuma, his ukulele buddy from way back.

So let’s all send prayers and songs of recovery to Herb. …

HOW FAR OUT!

The DVD release of Disney’s “Moana ‘Olelo Hawaii,” the Hawaiian translation version of the cinematic hit film, will be celebrated Nov. 30 at Honolulu Community College’s MELE (Music & Entertainment Learning Experience) Studio, where much of the work was done. The film marks the return of original cast members Auli‘i Cravalho and Nicole Scherzinger; the team, led by Puake‘a Nogelmeier, translated the script with 10,000 words; musical director Aaron Sala tackled 4,000 sound files.

Among the new gems: Kalena DeLima’s cover version of “How Far I’ll Go” and Kaikena Scanlan’s “You’re Welcome” in a new end-credits version.

Schools will receive the Hawaiian version DVD to encourage students to learn the language. …

GOVS DREAM BIG

The Farrington Performing Arts Company will present its second annual Dream Big benefit at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Joseph Rider Farrington Auditorium.

Arshiel Calatrava (class of 2013), a former singer with the Society of Seven, will be a guest performer, and tunes from “Hamilton,” “Dreamgirls” and the current “Be More Chill” will be shared. Dancer’s Delite and Drill Team Hawaii will also perform.

Dream Big tickets are $10 adults, $5 students and free for keiki under 4; go to showtix4u.com. …

Further, director Miguel Cadoy, who staged “Grease” last year, turns to “Once on This Island” as this season’s musical, opening March 1. Auditions will be at 3 p.m. Nov. 26 and 27. …

And that’s “Show Biz.”

Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.