It surprises me how silent former islander Kevin McCollum is about his prowess and proficiency on Broadway.

Like, he currently is producer of three musicals simultaneously running on the Great White Way. That’s quite an achievement.

But you won’t find his name on the bright theater marquees. You need to peruse  the Playbills, to discover McCollum’s name – above the show title, in tiny print – as well as in his bio along with the cast and artistic team.

His three current shows:

• “The Notebook,” at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater, is his largest show based on the rom-com Nicholas Sparks’ book and consequent film, about Allie and Noah, a couple from different worlds, whose portrait of a lifetime of love is depicted in flashbacks tapping three sets of couples.  The show earned Tonys for acting but failed to win a trophy.
•  “Six” has been in production for several years at the Lena Horne Theatre; it’s a sprightly revue with a cast of six, in a modern retelling of the lives of King Henry VIII’s six wives, delivered as a sarcastic, pop-concert competition of who suffered the most. It finally closes at the end of September.
•  “Oh Mary,” at the Lyceum Theatre, is a dark comedy about Mary Todd Lincoln’s life and dreams in the days preceding Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The play explores her personal conflicts, including alcoholism, and moved uptown to the Lyceum Theatre from the off-Broadway Lucille Lortel Theatre. It closes in November.

McCollum earns a Tony Award only if one of his shows becomes a Best Musical winner, which makes him somewhat invisible most of the time. As a producer, he’s instrumental in seeking funding for his shows. McCollum has won big, garnering three Tonys for “Rent”  (1966), “Avenue Q” (2004)  and “In the Heights” (2008).

Only the likes of the late prolific director Hal Prince (“The Phantom of the Opera,” “Merrily We Roll Along’) and the non-stop genius Andrew Lloyd Webber (“Phantom,” “Cats”) have had credits for simultaneous shows during a typical season…  

‘Broadway in Hawaii’ to unveil season

“Broadway in Hawaii” will announce its season of island-bound shows next Wednesday (Sept. 18) at Blaisdell Concert Hall.

The season will include three touring productions, titles to be unveiled at a media event,  with shows to be staged in April, June and December.

Details will be announced, and the roster surely will be all musicals…

Broadway grosses, for week ending Sept. 8

While there’s no change among the top three shows, a newbie has joined the million-dollar club: “Oh, Baby,” at the No. 9 slot.

Otherwise, the Top 10 is comprised of repeaters:

The Top 10:

1—”Wicked, “ $1,755 million

2—“The Lion King,” $1,690 million

3—” Hamilton” $1,645 million

4—“Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club,” $1,509 million

5—”Hell’s Kitchen,” $1,393 million

6—”MJ the Musical,” $1,375 million

7—”The Outsiders,” $`,307 million

8—”Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” $1,270 million

9—”Oh, Mary!” $1,105 million

10—”Aladdin,” $1,059 million

 

The full list, courtesy The Broadway League:

And that’s Show Biz…

Politics are not my usual calling, but last night’s 2024 presidential debate  between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is worthy of comment.

The ABC News telecast, originating from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, drew 67.135 million Nielsen viewers, up 30.8 per cent. By comparison, the Trump debate with President Joe Biden in June attracted 51.3 million according to all broadcast and cable simulcast numbers, staged live via CNN.

This morning, Trump was spouting sound bites galore on news shows, that he won the debate “by a lot,” despite laments from GOP dissidents who felt he was “catastrophic” and “a train wreck.”

Might be party bias, but most folks think Harris won. Soundly, not by a whisker.

Harris looked very presidential, in control of her delivery, and swiftly went into combat mode, getting under the skin of her usually bullying opponent, the ex-president, who took the bait over and over like hungry fish, with a sour demeanor of a beaten victim.

She had strategy and a vision; he brought attitude, and a constant scowl.

She had opportunity and a playbook; he had experience, but no trajectory.

Trump lied a lot (fact-checkers counted 33 for him, 1 for Harris), but provided vulgar laughs – especially his unsubstantiated comment that immigrants in Ohio ate cats and dogs.

She had him at hello – when she grasped his hand, then announced expressly for his benefit, “I’m Kamala.”  It was a brave and daring move, that surely caught him off-guard, since Trump never uttered or mispronounced her name throughout the debate.

Let’s face it: she won, he lost, but debates don’t win elections; the battle will be decided in the Nov. 5 election.

She looked content and confident, and her prosecutorial experience glowed. She was brutal, but factual, about his legal issues, his palsy ties and adoration of questionable dictators, and his negative reputation among global leaders and former generals previously in his cabinet.

He looked miserable and uncomfortable, unable to name-call or take control. As the oldest candidate (78) now in the race, Trump’s engine is losing gas, looking and acting elderly, tense and disoriented.

Harris repeatedly said, “it’s time to turn the page,” meaning Trump and his MAGA empire should be replaced. No sequel.

However, she still needs to provide more specific details on her plans, which she vows will herald the return of democracy. Clearly, abortion, immigration and the economy are key issues in the election.

The much-delayed film, “Ke Nui Road,” has been retitled as “Rescue HI-Surf”
and will debut as a Fox action series, finally premiering Sept. 22  as an episodic TV  show.

The filmed-in-Hawaii drama, from John Wells Productions, will focus on the life and times of lifeguards amid the often-treacherous waves at the fabled North Shore’s daunting, but dangerous seven-mile coastline beloved by surfers and spectators alike.

The site is where first responders – the heroic lifeguards – bravely rescue distressed surfers, who weather the churning white waves.

The initial episode was written by Matt Kester, and the first two episodes are directed by John Wells.

Following the premiere on Sept. 22 preview, the show will debut Sept. 23 in its regular Saturday slot. Hulu will also stream the show.

The cast features Arielle Kebbel, Adam Demos, Kekoa Kekumano, Zoe Cipres, Ian Anthony Dale, Robbie Magasiva, Alex  Aiono and Shawn Hatosy…

‘Merrilly,’ the formal film version still is due

The New York Public Library’s Theatre on Film and Tape Archive has a filmed version of the recent box office hit on Broadway, “Merrily We Roll Along.” The Stephen Sondheim-George Furth film is viewable only at the library’s Lincoln Center branch.

Huh? Turns out that this version, taped in March, is a typical archival print customarily filmed for a specific audience, like qualified researchers.

The one we’re all eagerly awaiting is the version taped during the final month’s run of the Tony-winning Best Musical Revival at the Hudson Theatre. Which merrily means a formal film version still is in the works, for all to see,  but still uncertain when and where – for traditional movie theater release or streaming on an online service.

Thus, patience is a virtue here.

The difference in the NYPL version is that it films only one show, with three cameras, and no frills. The anticipated rendering was a multi-day, many cameras version, with close-up ops, and a polished final product, likely with special scenics, like aerial and backstage views.

“Merrily” starred Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe, who earned Tonys, and co-star Lindsay Mendez, a nominee.

Customary, the honor of having a show taped is reserved for acclaimed productions and these films are done in the last few weeks before closing. Thus, “The Lion King” or “Aladdin,” still in production, won’t be considered as a candidate for the archival honor till they’re nearing closure…

Broadway grosses, for the week ending Sept. 1

It’s same-old, same-old, for last week’s leaders on the Great White Way: “Wicked” is No. 1, “The Lion King” is No. 2, and “Hamilton” is No. 3.

The complete list, courtesy The Broadway Guild:

And that’s Show Biz…

Bella Thompson, 20, daughter of Afatia and Nicole Thompson of Tihati Productions, is making a name for herself as the setter of the University of Providence’s Argo volleyball team.

Her grandparents, Jack and Cha Thompson, are mighty proud of her ongoing achievements with the team at Helena, Mont.

Bella, a resident of Kapahulu, last month was named the Erck Hotels Frontier Conference Setter of the Week, leading the unbeaten Argos to a 4-0 ranking at the Big Sky Challenge and the first Argo player this season to earn Player of the Week laurels, leading to an interview with radio sportscaster Rocky Erickson.

Bella said in the interview, “Montana opened so many new doors for me. It’s definitely our chemistry and our will to win. We’re all collectively working with the same goal. Faith (had a role)…nothing I do, I couldn’t do without the grace of God.”

So how did a Hawaiian lass wind up in Montana? “A couple of doors closed on me, the Lord opened doors for me,” she said. “Perfect fit for me.”

As a freshman, Bella twice earned Frontier Conference Setter of the Week honors.

Head coach Arunas Duda said, “I am so proud of Bella. She came in this season, ready to go, and has really stepped up as a leader on and off the courts.”

Bella currently is No. 6 in the Argo program history, logging 159 assists to average 10.60 assists per set over the Argos’ four wins. She is among the top five in the NAIA in both assists and assists per set.

A junior majoring in business, Bella hopes to “help with my family business, to take a load off their shoulders” after she graduates.

She would be the first Tihati grandchild to sign on as an employee in the world’s largest producer of Polynesian luau productions. Her dad, Afatia, is company president, and her aunt, Misty Tufono, is vice-president; they succeeded grandparents Jack and Cha, now retired, who were founders of Tihati Productions…

Gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar signs with Viva

Gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar, who was part of the Philippines team in the 2024 Paris Olympics, has been tapped by the Filipino talent agency Viva for modeling and acting.

She’s an American, the daughter of former Honolulan Anthony Ruivivar, and granddaughter of the late Society of Seven leader, Tony Ruivivar.

A Filipina-American gymnast, Levi who competed in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 Olympics, is the newest addition to Viva Artists Agency’s roster of stars.

Levi will continue her gymnastic training and reportedly will be engaged in modeling and brand partnerships and potential acting opportunities.

Qualification in the 2028 Summer Olympics will be a priority, however.

Her father Anthony is known for creating the role of Carlos Nieto in the NBC TV series “Third Watch” and more recently in the comedy, “Turner and Hooch” and had a recurring role in CBS’ “NCIS: Hawaii.”

Levi’s mom is Yvonne Jung, also an actress, whose roles included such shows as  “Third Watch” and “ER”….

And that’s Show Biz…

It’s a party ’neath the stars.

With a jamfest of jazz, featuring some of Hawaii’s best.

And this year, it’s a milestone 60^th anniversary for the host school, LaPietra’s Hawaii School for Girls.

So “Sunset Jazz: A Note to the ’60s,” set for Sept. 17 on the lawn of the school campus in the shadows of Diamond Head, will be a festive way to commemorate La Pietra’s birthday.

Doors open at 5 p.m., and music begins at 5:30 p.m.

Sunset Jazz was founded 24 years ago by jazz singer Shari Lynn, who was La Pietra’s director of music, before she retired a few years ago. She was in the first jazz show on campus, and once again will be among the troupers in this year’s production. And while jazz is the core music genre, the event will embrace Broadway favorites, salsa and big-band sounds.

The slate of troupers includes Eddie Ortiz and Son Caribe featuring Cynthia Romero, Hot Club of Hulaville, Kip Wilborn, and the Mike Lewis Big Band.

“In 1999, Sunset Jazz was created to bring live music and performance to the students at La Pietra,” said Shari. “We hoped they would enjoy and be inspired by the experience. We had no idea that it would become a favorite community event, selling out year after year,” she said.

Tickets: $75 each, which includes wine and dessert. Those attending may opt to bring their own picnic suppers, and purchase a basket for two for $125, available on site.

Details: lapietra.edu/SunsetJazz …

Michael Paulo’s ‘Smooth Jazz Nights’

Home-grown jazz star Michael Paulo will stage “Smooth Jazz Nights,” at 8 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Hibiscus Ballroom of the Ala Moana Hotel.

The concert will have a sentimental undercurrent; it will remember the late Al Waterson, a regular emcee of Paulo’s jazz endeavors here. Waterson, a popular host, singer, actor and entertainer, died April 21.

Apaulo Productions, saxophonist Paulo’s company, will also showcase Mindi Abair, saxophonist, and Peter White, guitarist, along with Paulo’s All-Star Band comprising Arthur Thompson, a drummer from Los Angeles, along with Hawaii musicians Michael Grande on keyboards, Zanuck Lindsey on guitar and Bruce Hamada on bass.

The event also will mark the release of Paulo’s new album, “Here Is Happiness,” titled after his late dad Rene Paulo’s hit from the past. The recording will be available at the concert.  

Tickets: $75 for reserved table seating, $65 for general admission, available at tix.com or (951) 696-0184 …

 ‘Newsies’ closes on a high

I took in the final performance of I’m a Bright Kid Foundation’s hit show, “Newsies,” this past Sunday (Aug. 25) at Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College.

I had seen, and reviewed, the opening night show (Aug. 9) and knew I had to return for the finale. Yeah, worth seeing it again!

Over 10 performances, the kids and adults – 35 of ‘em, but notably the kids — had become so ingrained in their roles that you could sense  and see the pride and joy in their faces. Mission accomplished.

Happily, IAMB executive director Ligaya Stice and the show’s director, Mary Chesnut Hicks, could sit and fully watch the show for the first time. Surely, it’s way different to see it from the backstage wings of the theater.

I sat next to Hicks, who was all smiles and was a generous hand-clapper especially when the newsies were soaring and leaping and dancing. You could sense the energy. “They’ve become one family, sharing their love of theater,” she said at intermission. Indeed, the mentor was joyous and both happy and sad – happy that the journey was incredible, sad because soon it would be over.

Also a happy camper, er, clapper: Auntie Mo (widow of Ron Bright), who has seen all performances. It’s a tradition, from way back. Besides, her son Clarke Bright, maestro for the orchestra, and grandkidS Caity Bright and Drew Bright were onstage newsies, and Christopher Bright on drums in the ork.

At the final curtain, everyone in the cast had lei. Hicks named all the backstage crew to come out for a bow, and a lei, if they didn’t have one; Clarke Bright, musical director, asked all his musicians to leave the pit and take an onstage bow. I’ve not seen such outpouring of goodwill and aloha. Do other theater groups do something similar on closing night?

Noticeable in the curtain bows: Genesis Kaeo, who played Jack Kelly, the lead newsie, tried to hold back tears, but it flowed – a natural response, again of happiness and sadness. Note: his singing voice had become so powerful and his delivery with co-star Seanlei Nishimura (Katherine) was impeccable.

Maybe it was not a surprise, but the houses have been filled with youngsters (with parents, of course), perhaps eager to see school chums on stage, or simply moms and dads felt the message of “Newsies” – stand up for what you believe, don’t be bullied by others, fight for what’s right – is a lesson worth experiencing together.

So: This was the right show at the right time. IABK had been saddled – like the rest of the world —  by the devastating pandemic affecting everyone several years ago; and it was unable to produce a legit show till this season. Patience paid off…

And that’s Show Biz…