‘CHINESE’ UNITES ‘EVERYTHING’ STARS

The impact of “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” the wonderfully wacky multiverse that buoyed the viability of Asian performers – think Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan, both Oscar winners this past Sunday in the Academy Awards – will get additional inclusive boost in Disney+’ upcoming series, “American Born Chinese,” streaming beginning May 24.

Michelle Yeoh, with “American Born Chinese” hands on deck.

Yeoh, this year’s Best Actress, and Quan, who picked up the Best Supporting Actor statuette, will both appear in “American Born Chinese.” Stephanie Hsu, a nominee for Best Supporting Actress from “Everything,” will also be aboard.

We earlier reported that this series is based on the 2006 graphic novel of the same name by Gene Luen Yang. And the project has an island link: Maui’s Destin Daniel Cretton (Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “Short Term 12”) is set to direct and additionally serves as executive producer.

“American Born Chinese” deals with a regular guy Jin Wang, facing the strains of high school social life and home friction. He’s entangled,too, in a battle of Chinese mythological gods, so expect a multiverse embracing seasoned Chinese actors on screen (some with kung fu skills) and a team of notable behind-the-camera vets including Melvin Mar and Jake Kasdan, both involved in the Hawaii-fimed “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.” …

Cruz to preview ‘Hawaiian Heart’ tunes

John Cruz and his band will give a preview of tunes from his original musical, “Hawaiian Heart,” from 11 a.m. to noon March 24 at the Hawaii Kai Shopping Center.

An EP of five tunes from the homegrown musical has been released, so Cruz – widely known for his “Island Style” hit song – will preview the songs with Taiana Tulley and Bronson Varde, who are the leads in the movie.

“Hawaiian Heart” is described as a musical rom-com about Lani, a young woman returning home to Kauai for the first time in years, reuniting with her high school sweetheart. Cruz serves as music supervisor for the project but will have a supporting role in the show, which is directed by Josh Goldman. Cruz and Goldman are co-writers of the 15 songs in the soundtrack.

Broadway grosses, week ending March 12

Not only is “The Phantom of the Opera” the hottest ticket on Broadway since January; the Andrew Lloyd Webber production also is receiving a staggering $497 high for tickets. Prices escalated in January, with standing-room-only at the Majestic Theatre, attracting folks who want to see the chandelier fall again. Or for the first time.

New arrivals on the Great White Way includes revivals of “Sweeney Todd” and “Parade,” so expect new faves in the weekly gross listing.

The top seven:

No. 1 – “Phantom,” with $2.740 million.

No. 2 – “Hamilton,” $1.915 million.

No. 3 – “Funny Girl,” $1.850 million.

No. 4 – “Sweeney Todd,” $1.805 million.

No. 5 – “Wicked,” $1.689 million,

No. 6 – “The Lion King,” $1.637 million.

No.7 – “MJ,” $1.564 million.

The compilation, courtesy The Broadway League:

And that’s Show Biz. …

March 13, 2023March 14, 2023

OSCAR VIEWERSHIP REBOUNDING

It wasn’t just a grand night of winning for the cast of “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” which earned seven Academy Awards in ABC’s telecast Sunday night (March 12).

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, won too , in the overnight Nielsen’s ratings, attracting 18.7 million viewers in the 95^th Oscarcast.

It was the best performance and a rebound mode for the Hollywood org., with Nielsen polling showing a 12 per cent gain over last year’s Will Smith’s slap-in-the-face sideshow, seen by 16.7 million viewers. Further, the show gained a 4.0 rating in the coveted demographics of 18 to 49, marking a 5.3% increase over last year.

And perhaps the Oscars might have brought a new respect and a return to loyalty to sit and watch an awards show. The Oscars did far better than this year’s Grammys, which pulled in 12.5 million and a 2.9 rating in the demos. The last Emmys didn’t do well, either, watched by 5.9 million and a rating of 1.2 last year.

ABC execs are awaiting the next-day adjustment of ratings number, expected on Tuesday (March 14), anticipating a bit more juice in viewership numbers, expressing some fears that the Daylight Savings Time early Sunday morning might have confused potential watchers.

Ratings for the Oscars have been critically lower in recent years hitting a record low in 2021 of 10.5 million viewers and a 2.2 rating among the key adults 18-49 demographics. …

Some reflections:

I did pretty well, in the predictions in seven categories. The one I stumbled over was Best Actor. I figured Austin Butler, as “Elvis,” would be a shoo-in, a bona fide actor singing and shimmying like Presley. Brendan Fraser was a worthy winner, for playing the overweight “whale” in “The Whale,” but 75 per cent of his win should rightfully be shared by his prosthetic creator.

Oscar winners, from left: Ke Huy Quan, Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis. Getty Images.

There was uniform agreement that “Top Gun: Maverick,” the stellar sequel with Tom Cruise, brought audiences back to the movie theater to watch a movie. That the film earned just one Oscar, for Best Sound, is ludicrous. And he wasn’t a nominee, so it’s no surprise Cruise skipped the show.

Cheerleader of the night? The indefatigable Jamie Lee Curtis, the “Everything” Best Supporting Actress, whose early win set the tone and the pace for the final outcome. At 64 and never been a trophy winner (or nominee) throughout her career, she deserved the laurels and clearly she’s not a name-dropper; betcha today’s young film-goers don’t know she’s the daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh.

Comebacker of the year? Best Supporting Actor Ke Huy Quan, 51, also from “Everything,” was a kid actor in an “Indiana Jones” caper, but was unable to land a major project like this year’s biggie. His acceptance speech was genuine, heartfelt joy for years of dreams, hopes and patience. That onstage hug with Best Film presenter Harrison Ford was a keeper. And weeper.

Michelle Yeoh, 61, had to wait nearly forever to snag her Best Actress (“Everywhere”) statuette. She and Quan made film history, being the first Asians to win in their respective category, signaling the inclusion of Asians in the Hollywood multiverse. Betcha a sequel will arrive in two years (audiences expect it) but history repeating itself? Hmmmmm.

And as good and alarming as it depicted the brutality of war, Netflix’s “All Quiet on the Western Front” (Best International Feature Film) won several technical awards. War is hell, but did we really need this, while war is seen nightly on your TV screen?

And can we return to the old formula of limiting Best Feature Films to five titles instead of the current 10?

With sew many (get it?) gowns focused on bras with open midriffs, peek-a-boo fabrics and trains that waited for an accident to happen, it’s a wonder no wardrobe malfunctions were reported or recorded.

While I picked that Indian novelty, “Naatu, Naatu” as Best Song, mostly because that vigorous choreography in the film, the most commercial tune with abundant pleasure is/was Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand,” heard in the end credits of “Top Gun.” Her live vocal delivery on the Oscar show was pure, powerful and potent – delivered in black T-shirt and jeans — perhaps a wider audience will embrace the tune in the weeks ahead.

I miss the Old Hollywood, when the likes of Meryl Streep, Harrison Ford, Jack Nicholson, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Sean Connery, Julie Andrews, Kirk Douglas, etc. would be in the front rows of the theater, kibitzing, hugging, sharing camaraderie. Many have gone to the screens in the heavens, but few surviving Hollywood greats have not earned the clout of yesteryear’s screen faves. …

Hawaii Kai gaining new eateries

With the closure of Zippy’s Hawaii Kai dining room in the Koko Marina Shopping Center and the exit of Outback Restaurant at the Hawaii Kai Towne Center, it’s good news to learn that new kau kau options await.

Later this month, Scratch Kitchen will take over the site of the Outback Restaurant, joining the family of established eateries at Hawaii Kai Towne Center, Roy’s and Maile’s Thai Bistro.

And expect Paradise Poke to join the dining community in the space next to Starbuck’s at the Towne Center.

And next to Zippy’s at Koko Marina, a new tenant is prepping for an opening later this year. There is hope for the hungry crowds. …

And that’s Show Biz. …

March 11, 2023March 12, 2023

OSCARS? ‘EVERYTHING’ SHOULD WIN

Here’s everything you need to know about the Academy Awards this Sunday (March 12):

“Everything Everywhere All at Once,” the box office hit with multi-maximum-mashups of comedy, crime drama, karate, flashbacks and familial immigration conflicts, is anticipated to take home a large share of the Oscar statuettes. Its original multiverse should make “Everything” this year’s “Parasite” (the previous surprise Oscar winner from Korea) the big, deserved winner.

The 95th annual Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will air on live from 2 p.m. Hawaii time on Sunday (March 12) on ABC. It will also stream on ABC.com, Hulu Live TV, and YouTubeTV.

My predictions, in seven key categories:

Michelle Yeoh and The Daniels, Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan.

Best Picture: “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” With 11 nominations and already a clutch of industry awards, it likely will make a sweep. It’s joyous mayhem – a looney and loopy concoction, not easily explainable – but a hilarity to watch. Imagine the @ icon fused with the # pound sign, connected with the & ampersand, finally with the ! exclamation point. Yep, @#&! defines the lunacy.
Best Director: The Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert),“Everything Everywhere All at Once.” The two Danny Boys also have already snared a bunch of awards…. but Oscar would be the tantamount prize and universal applause and acceptance.
Best Actor: Austin Butler, “Elvis.” He was not an impersonator in this biopic, but he fused the moves and manners and music to create the magic that was the King.
Best Actress: Michelle Yeoh, “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Yeoh’s the word, and she represents the new wave of conquests for the Asian community.
Best Supporting Actor: Ke Huy Quan, “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” The kid from “Indiana Jones” is a 51-year-old man now, and also riding the positive crest of new Asian (he’s Vietnamese) accomplishment and acceptance.
Best Supporting Actress: Jamie Lee Curtis, “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Scream she must, for what will be her first Oscar win, a validation of her lifelong (she’s 64) screen career.
Best Original Song: “Naatu Naatu,” from“RRR.” This oddity, from the Indian blockbuster, is a vigorous and contagious song-and-dance number that has been the rage throughout Europe, from an equally vivid action film that is also in contention for Best Film; it should have earned a slot for Best International Feature (previously, Best Foreign Film), where it could be a victor.

When Rihanna performed her Oscar-nominated song, “Light Me Up” (from “Wakanda Forever”), in the recent Super Bowl, she looked like a shoo-in as Best Song victor. But if she can grab the prize now, it will be considered an upset over “Naatu Naaatu.”

“Top Gun: Maverick,” the Jerry Bruckheimer box office hit, brought people back into the theaters (after three years of streaming films at home). It also jump-started the career of Tom Cruise. Alas, he didn’t even earn a nomination for Best Actor, and the movie – commerce at its best – will be relegated to a technical category like Best Sound.

The early favorites, like James Cameron’s “Avatar: The Way of Water,” fizzled by the time academy voters started the balloting, but could pick up a Visual Effects Oscar, And industry giants, like Steven Spielberg (“The Fabelmans”) also were aced out of contention…

Whee, the people

Vicki Borges has gone political again; she is the new executive assistant to the District Chief/District Scheduler at the Office of Congresswoman Jill Tokuda. She’s the widow Jimmy Borges and formerly held a scheduler position with former Gov. Neil Abercrombie. …
Fans of the Honolulu Jazz Quartet might want to join these jazz giants when they guest-perform in the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra’s Hapa Symphony, at 7:30 p.m. April 15 at the Hawaii Theatre. The HJQ features leader-bassist John Kolivas, saxophonist Tim Tsukiyama, pianist Dan Del Negro and drummer Noel Okimoto.

Kolivas was reminiscing the other day, back in the 1980s, when he says he was “Haradafied,” alluding to his first-time bold-face name appearing in this column. Back in the day, he was already collaborating with Keola Beamer, who coincidentally will appear with his wife, Moanalani Beamer, in a Hawaiian segment of the other-wise jazz-centric evening. The agenda also will embrace hits from the ‘60s and ‘70s, tapping tunes by The Beatles and Seals & Crofts, with vocalists Zanuck Lindsey, Riya Davis and Kainalu Kolivas, John’s son …

Broadway grosses, week ending March 5

“Phantom of the Opera” still tops the Broadway scene, as its closing date nears.

The top seven shows:

1 — “Phantom,” $2.588 million.

2 — “Hamilton,” $1.944 million,

3 — “The Lion King,” $1.931 million.

4 — “Wicked,” $1.781 million.

5 — “MJ,” $1.715 million.

6 –“Harry Potter & the Cursed Child,” $1.475 million.

7 — “Moulin Rouge,” $1.455 million.

The compilation is courtesy The Broadway League. …

And that’s Show Biz. …

March 6, 2023March 6, 2023

DISNEY SEEKS LIVE-ACTION ‘LILO’

Disney’s plans to film a live-action “Lilo & Stitch” still lacks a juvenile island girl to play the titular female role.

While auditions already have been held, the studio still wants to conduct a last-minute search to attract an unknown youngster who may be unaware of the ongoing hunt.

If cast, the minor lass likely will become a marquee personality, just as Auli‘I Cravalho — the voice of Disney’s animated “Moana” movie – who became a breakout star.

Cravalho now may be a tad too old to portray the live-action Lilo, but it’s likely she’ll land the role of Lilo’s older sister Nani.

The film, when completed, is expected to stream via Disney+, bypassing a theatrical release, but is anticipated to be a genuine hit for the Disney family audience. As a cartoon, “Lilo & Stitch” had life as a television series and eventually a full-length animated cartoon feature. Both characters also have enjoyed a high presence as roving cartoon figures at Disneyland and Disney World, to appease the selfie crowds.

Dean Fleischer Camp (“Marcell the Shell With Shoes On”) will direct. And there’s a local among the writing team, Chris Kekaniokalani Bright (yes, a next-generation family of the Ronald Bright ‘ohana), who has collaborated with Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders and Mike Van Waes. Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich are producing.

One role is cast: Zach Galifianakis (“The Hangover”) will portray Pleakley, the Plorgonarian from the planet Plorgonar, and an expert onthe Planet Earth. No mention if a Stitch actor has been found.

Disney, of course, is noted for reinventing much of its franchise hits, old or new. And live-action films from the warehouse of animated franchises have had more successes, including “Cinderella,” “Beauty & the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “Mulan,” and “The Jungle Book” than failures like “Pinocchio” and “Dumbo.”

“Lilo & Stitich,” a success on TV and the big screen.

Casting director Rachel Whitley Sutton is seeking a precocious Native Hawaiian girl aged 6 to 8 (she could have Maori or Samoan, or any other Polynesian descent) to enact Lilo, a girl who loves hula, surfing and wildlife with a special affinity for things gross.

Details: baddog.casting@disneympp.com …

Remembering Milan

“The Man Behind the Music,” a benefit for Milan Bertosa legendary recording engineer, will be held from 2:30 to p.m. Sunday (March 12) at Hawaiian Brian’s, aka HB Social Club, at 1680 Kapiolani Blvd.

An all-star cluster of his pals and peers, will assemble to celebrate his life. Bertosa died unexpectedly last Jan. 1 at age 61. A popular and respected studio engineer who worked with a host of local acts, Bertosa was best known as the dude on duty, in the wee hours, when Israel Kamakawiwo‘ole famously stopped by the studio Bertosa was manning, and started humming and singing “Somewhere, Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World,” in what would become Hawaii’s No.1 best-seller and often-tapped voice in a host of films and hundreds of commercials.

Henry Kapono, Amy Hanaiali ‘i, Makena (Ho‘okena plus Moon Kauakahi of the Makana Sons, hence the name), Del Beazley and Mailani Mak‘ina‘i are among the headlining acts. Other participants include the Dean Taba Jazz Ensemble, Manoa DNA, Kapala, Shawn Ishimoto, Angela Morales, Mike Piranha, Choco, Third Degree, Aleternative Fax and Doug Fitch.

Mele Apana and Lina Girl will host. Food and beverages will be available for purchase; a silent auction and raffle will also be featured.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. …

And that’s Show Biz. …

March 5, 2023March 5, 2023

REMEMBER THE ‘BUTA KAU KAU’ CAN?

If you grew up in the Hawaii of the 1940s and ‘50s, you likely will remember something commonly called the slop can, where your family dumped their kitchen discards.

This was an era where most households didn’t yet have garbage disposals in their kitchens.

So “wet” garbage, like soups and kitchen debris, like carrot shavings, cabbage cores, pineapple skins and orange and banana peels, had to be disposed somewhere.

This also was a time where there were no oversized plastic garbage bags – or composting in the backyard – to conveniently dispose these food remnants.

Enter, the slop cans. Or in local lingo, “buta kau kau,” literally pig food. Gross? Yes, but it was part of everyday life.

Most homes had a slop can outside their kitchen door. The canister was a rectangular-shaped can, likely the kind of container for oils and other liquids, with an open top, where garbage would be disposed. A wooden cover was necessary, to keep flies and bugs and even feral cats and dogs from seeking the remnants of discarded food. And a bucket-type handle was necessary, to lift the can and contents.

I remember having that duty to bring out the daily veggie and fruit stuff and even chicken and rib bones. I recall, too, that slop had a sickly sour odor, and you made sure you didn’t allow seepage.

This messy load would be picked up once a week, like the rubbish vehicles hauling away other throw-aways. The slop was destined to rural pig farms in Waimanalo, Kahala (before the luxury homes were erected), and other farming zones. The thought that slop could be food for pork that we’d eventually buy and eat was unimaginable.

As garbage disposals became prevalent and vital, not merely for convenience but for health reasons, the slop can happily became history.

Till today, we don’t toss stuff like fish or steak or pork chop bones into the disposal; we place ‘em in produce bags from food stores and dispose in the gray bins for waste collections once a week.