How’s this for a quick homecoming? Jordan Segundo will perform tunes from the score of the film “The Greatest Showman” at the Super American Circus, set for a run of six performances March 29, 30 and 31 at Blaisdell Arena. Segundo, Hawaii’s first “American Idol” finalist, left Honolulu in December to relocate in Sacramento, to anchor and report weather for KOVR and KMAX (on “Good Day Sacramento”). On local TV, he previously reported on KHON and KITV.
Clearly, Segundo has not shelved his singing. His melodies will contrast with the circus’ diverse acts that include the Lacasse Duo, Elaine Alcon, the Martin Espana Show, David and Angela Saucedo, Tino Ferreira and Rolla Bolla.
Cornell “Tuffy” Nicholas will be the circus presenter. He has produced and managed more than 5,000 shows domestically and abroad.
Circus showtimes: 7:30 p.m. March 29; noon, 4 and 8 p.m. March 30; and 1 and 5:30 p.m. March 31. Tickets options and prices vary; go to superamericancircus.com or ticketmaster.com …
PERSONALITY PARADE
Hawaii’s Ann Harada (no relation) joins Nikki M. James, Mark Evans and Sara Mearns in Rodgers and Hart’s “I Married an Angel,” playing March 20 through 24 at the New York City Center. Harada will portray the Duchess of Holstein-Kuloff, James plays the Countess Peggy Palaffi, Evans will be Count Willy Palaffi and Mearns will enact the title role as the angel sent from heaven to tame the temperamental banker Count Palaffi. …
Henry Kapono’s Artist 2 Artist series at Blue Note Hawaii resumes with Brother Noland in the shared spotlight, at 7 p.m. March 13, and Amy Hanaiali‘i at 7 p.m. April 4. The Valley Isle is part of the mix, with performances at the Maui Arts & Culture Center — Noland at 7:30 p.m. March 29, Hanaialii on April 20. Tickets: bluenotehawaii.com or mauiarts.org …
Then Kapono goes on a California tour: March 21 at Irvine Barclay Theatre in Irvine, March 22 at Yoshi’s Oakland in Oakland, and March 23 at The Sofia, in Sacramento. Information: henrykapono.com …
ALL THAT JAZZ
Loretta Ables Sayre turned on the jazz faucet, sharing tunes with affection and dedication, in her Feb. 24 visit at Blue Note Hawaii. It was a jazzophile’s dream come true.
Her formidable backup crew featured Jim Howard (piano), Dean Taba (fiddle bass), Darryl Pellegrini (drums) and Scott Villiger (saxophone). She navigated her traditional jazz songbook, with arrangements and delivery showcasing the temperament and tone of the genre. Happily, she hasn’t forsaken her jazz roots.
Ables Sayre began her serenade with “Where or When” and concluded with “Time After Time,” true-blue romantic classics; the latter was an endearing shout-out to her publicist-hubby, David Sayre, with the lyrics (“so lucky to be loving you”) defining spousal devotion. Yes, he was in the audience.
In between, she did Cole Porter (“Easy to Love”) and George and Ira Gershwin (“Soon”) with more fundamental messages of amour. Also, the jazz format of solo moments for each musician acknowledged the stellar artistry in the ranks.
Of course, she couldn’t get off the stage without delivering her “Bali Hai” signature from “South Pacific,” in which she portrayed Bloody Mary and earned a Tony nomination.
The evening served as a prelude to her upcoming March 25 show at Manoa Valley Theatre, where she plans to include more Broadway fare, considering the site and the stage clientele. MVT is marking its 50th anniversary this season, with six “Island Treasures” guest artists.
She gave James Taylor’s “I Don’t Want To Be Lonely Tonight” a jazz makeover, preceding the tune with a name-dropping moment when she confessed she was a fan; the pop singer-composer waited backstage to meet her after taking in “South Pacific” at Lincoln Center. The Great White Way, she reflected, enabled her to also meet the likes of Bette Midler and Stephen Sondheim, a revelation confirming that even celebs get gushy when meeting their favorite “somebodys.”
And that’s “Show Biz.”
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
