Posts

Posted on

BAKERY GOODIES, NOW AND THEN…

Let’s talk bakeries – and pastries.

First, a confession: I’m a fan of sweet treats. Life-long. Not the best of choices, but I can’t resist ‘em.

Some yummy things still exist. Many are long gone.

So, a reflection or two…memories you also may share.

Hall of fame, or gone but not forgotten:

  • The lemon crunch cake, from the old  downtown Alexander Young Hotel Bakery.
  • The red velvet cake, from Sweetheart Bakery, in Makiki.
  • The French doughnut, from Bill’s Bakery in Kapahulu.
  • The peach Bavarian cake, from Kapiolani Bakery.
  • The guava chiffon cake, from Delight Bakery, in Kalihi.
  • The glazed blueberry cake doughnut, from Safeway Bakery.
  • The custard pie, from Bea’s Bakery in Kaimuki.
  • The Japan-style square whole wheat and/or white bread, from Shirokiya Bakery at Ala Moana Center.
  • The humungous glazed yeast doughnut (I used to call ‘em “truck tires”), Kimura Bakery in Kaimuki.
  • The circular crusted bread (don’t recall what it was named), from 9th Avenue Bakery in Kaimuki.
  • The sweet bread rolls, from King’s Bakery (bakery gone, recipe still lives via national distribution and available at markets).

Still present and still delish…

  • The coco puffs, from Liliha Bakery.
  • The Napples apple turnover, from Napoleon Bakery, at Zippy’s.
  • The Chantilly cake, from Napoleon Bakery.
  • The malasadas, from Leonard’s Bakery.
  • The apple fritters doughnut, from McDonald’s (all locations).
  • The coconut haupia pie, served at the Halekulani Hotel’s Orchids restaurant, and apparently available as a dessert slice at the Halekulani Bakery and Restaurant at the Halepuna Hotel across the street from the hotel.

Some other wonderments

  • The Halekulani’s popovers are legendary; back in the day, larger portions were available; now, a smaller version is a huge favorite at the Sunday brunch and served as part of the offerings. The popovers at Neiman Marcus’ Mariposa restaurant hit the spot, too.
  • Are those malasada-like doughnuts, with fillings ranging from apple to custard to chocolate pudding still part of any bakery’s menu? Yes, nowadays, Leonard’s malasadas have fillings, too.
  • Are you a fan of the trendy upscale doughnuts topped with everything like bacon, cereal, nuts of all kinds and laden with specialty frostings?  
  • Anna Miller’s at Pearlridge used to make its marvelous strawberry shortcake; is it only a seasonal offering, or is it off the menu for good?
  • Costco’s bakery options are great for the prices, but the gotta-buy-12 muffins or a dozen large croissants are overwhelming for a household of two. And if you savor the portions, the pumpkin, custard, and apple pies will feed an army. Well, you know what I mean.

Feel free to add your faves to the discussion. Yum’s the word…

Posted on

NEXT FOR DISNEY: LIVE-ACTION ‘MOANA’

Now it’s “Moana” that will get that live-action Disney touch.

Dwayne Johnson, below, left, who voiced the demi-god Maui in the original animation film, announced from Honolulu yesterday that the Mouse House is planning do a live-action version of the animated  2016 hit that has grossed $644 million since.

Johnson will produce the newbie via his Seven Bucks Productions company, partnering with Danny Garcia and Hiram Garcia.

And Auli ‘i Cravalho, right, the native Hawaiian actress from Kamehameha Schools who voiced Moana and sang the Oscar-nominated hit tune, “How Far I’ll Go” in the film, will be back – but not playing the titular role nor on camera.

She is too old now, and has been focusing on building her career outside of the Disney franchise (she’s doing the movie, “Mean Girls the Musical: The Movie”)  but will be on board as a producer instead, with Scott Sheldon of Flynn Picture Co.

Aside from Johnson, a cast is not yet set, so auditions for roles likely will begin in the weeks ahead, surely in Hawaii.

The animated “Moana,” with Johnson as Maui and Cravalho as Moana.

The “Moana” live-action project comes as Disney just recently announced plans for a live-action “Lilo & Stitch,” an island-based production that will star a Big Island lass, Maia Kealoha, as Lilo.  She has no previous acting experience but likely will emerge as a certified film star by the time the movie is released.

A search also is on for a Stitch, whether a live actor or a CGI creation, which will need a voice, too.

A director for the new “Moana” has not been named,  but Jared Bush, who wrote the screenplay for the original movie, will pen the remake, along with Dana Ledoux Miller. John Musker and Ron Clements who directed the original movie, from a story by Clements, Musker, Chris Williams, Don Hall, Pamela Ribon, Aaron Kandell and Jordan Kandell; the Kandells have Hawaii roots. Bush was the sole credited screenwriter.

“This story is my culture, and this story is emblematic of our people’s grace and warrior strength,” said Johnson. “I wear this culture proudly on my skin and in my soul, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reunite with Maui, inspired by the mana and spirit of my late grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia, is one that runs very deep for me.”

Cravalho, who helped shape the protagonist in the original film, said Moana’s reach is sweeping. “She has had such a profound impact on how we think of Disney princesses. Moana’s strength and perseverance are inspiring—to audiences around the world, to me, and to everyone who helped bring her to life. I’m looking forward to sharing her story in a whole new way.” …

Remembering Phil Arnone

Friends, family, and colleagues of the late Phil Arnone, the GOAT of cultural and entertainment specials, gathered at the Outrigger Canoe Club today (April 3) to pay homage, share stories and simply remember the glory, the accomplishments and the irreverence of  the island-style TV documentaries, game shows, children’s shows and news broadcasts Arnone either produced or directed largely on KGMB.

His widow, Michelle Honda, assembled the gang and Arnone’s team of specialists involved in at least 50 shows he formatted and oversaw in his prime time “retirement” doing what he loved: making TV with watchable and wonderful programs.

Arnone died Feb. 12 at age 86, and folks like Dan Cooke, Larry Fleece, and Robert Pennybacker (the latter two, via scripts read by Cooke) reflected on the Greatest of All Time dude aka Mr. Television. From newscasts featuring Bob Sevey to “All in the Ohana” with Andy Bumatai and Linda Coble,  from “Bingo” shows with Karen Keawehawai‘i, above left, and Kirk Matthews, to “Hawaiian Moving Company” with Kamasami Kong and Michael W. Perry, and from“Checkers and Pogo” to  Rap Reiplinger, Arnone did ‘em all, and his professionalism and fingerprints were the common denominator.

Leslie Wilcox’s earlier PBS special on Arnone was the prime resource of the key interview, because in his prolific career, he was always the interviewer and researcher on his subjects, and never the interviewee.

Jerry Santos, right, the beloved Hawaiian entertainer, rendered “E Kuu Home O Kahaluu,” because that’s the number Arnone always asked him to share; Karen Keawehawai’i didn’t call out Bingo numbers, but yodeled beautifully; and Phil’s son Tony Arnone , left, brought his cello for a classical treatment of “Pearly Shells” and “Aloha Oe,” and said he forgives his dad for naming him Tony Arnone, which he had to live with while growing up. .…

And trusty Dennis Mahaffay, Arnone’s longtime buddy on the TV turf and life, documented the lovely program that should provide another kind of documentary that Arnone is awaiting to see from his heavenly perch. …

And that’s Show Biz. …

Posted on

ISLE FILIPINO BOY IN ‘LES MIZ’

A Filipino American child actor from Hawaii is the latest to join a growing list of accomplished performers in high profile roles.

Milo Maharlika, 9, a fifth grader, joined a touring company of the Tony Award-winning “Les Misérables,” in the featured role of Gavroche. He made his debut March 31,  in a Durham Performing Arts Center staging of “Les Miz” in North Carolina, which will embark on a 12-week tour over the next six months.

As Gavroche, Maharlika (pictured below) solos on “Little People,” the tune that boasts a can-do attitude of a youngster.

Or, as the lyrics say, “The world is big, but little people turn it around!” In context of the show, Gavroche is a young patriot who does his best to work among adult soldiers amid the barricades, based on Victor Hugo’s compelling French Revolution novel, transferred to the Broadway stage and subsequently, in a film.

He’s the first Filipino actor to play this role—customarily cast with Caucasian lads, and infrequently Asians – in the U.S.  One of the early Hawaii actors to portray Gavroche in the 1990s was Jason Tam, who performed in the show here as well as on Broadway, and since has developed into an adult Broadway star with such notable credits as “A Chorus Line,”  “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Be More Chill.” Islander Ryan Rumbaugh also took on the role, too. …

‘Kamusta, Pilipinas!’

If you have relatives in the Philippines, might want to inform them that “Hamilton” is heading for the Philippines in September.

Show creator Lin-Manuel Miranda was in Manila a few days ago and told media that his award-winning show will be staged at The Theater at Solaire.

“Kamusta Pilipinas!” (Hello, Filipinos), Miranda said prior to sharing a video of his hit show. He also acknowledged that there are several actors in his company of shows who are Filipinos, including Marc dela Cruz (pictured right), from the Big Island, in the flagship Broadway company. It’s not likely for dela Cruz to join the touring company on tour, though Filipinos in the cast would boost ticket sales.

“Now we get to bring the show to your beautiful country very soon,” Miranda said. “I can’t wait for you to see it.” …

And that’s Show Biz. …

Posted on

DISNEY’S LIVE ‘LILO’ IS LOCAL GIRL

Maia Kealoha, a Big Island girl, has been cast as Lilo in Disney’s planned “Lilo & Stitch” live-action film, inspired by the animated set-in-Hawaii series.

Knight Edge Media was the first to disclose the news about Maia, with few details except the she has appeared in many Little Miss Kona Coffee pageants via Instagram.

Little is known about Kealoha for now; where she attends school, who her parents are. She has no acting experience, but is plenty cute. Details will be revealed, once Disney rolls out a PR campaign on its newest discovery.

Though the movie was scheduled to begin to start filming in February, it apparently has been delayed.

Further, buzz that Auli‘i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in Disney’s “Moana” animated hit, likely won’t be able to participate in “Lilo & Stitch” as Nani, the older sister of Lilo, because of commitments to “Mean Girls the Musical: The Movie.” If that production is completed befzackore the start of “L&S,” she still could join the cast.

Maia Kealoha, left,

and Zack Galifianakis, right.

Earlier, it has been announced that Zack Galifianakis will play the alien Peakley.

Lilo is a lonely Hawaiian girl, who adores hula and the music of Elvis Presley, who builds a bonding friendship with Stitch, a blue dog-like alien who potentially has destructive powers. No word yet on who might play  or voice Stitch, should it be a CGI-generated character.

Dean Fleischer Camp will direct. He was an Academy Awards nominee for his “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.”

Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, son of Clarke and Lynell Bright and grandson of Ronald and Mo Bright, scripted the new film, from an earlier draft by Mike Van Waes. So Bright brings a behind-the-screen Hawaiian element to the project.

Lilo and Stitch, the little lonely girl, and her alien pal, in their animated days.

Disney has had remarkable success with “L&S” and sequels included TV-centric projects over the years and continued to invest in Polynesian projects like 2016’s “Moana,” which also featured the voice of Dwayne Johnson, who appeared as Maui.

The studio has made unknowns like Cravalho to become certified stars, so Kealoha could be a candidate for such fame, considering the enormous popularity of “L&S.” And it has been converting, successfully, animated films in live-action feature films.

Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich will produce for Rideback, with Ryan Halprin executive-producing for the company.

No date yet on when “L&S” will be released. …

Clublicity

Jake Shimabukuro, right, and his ukulele will be at Blue Note Hawaii at 6:30 and 9 p.m. April 2. Tickets: $75, $85, at https://www.bluenotejazz.com/hawaii/shows/  or (808) 777-4990.

Streetlight Cadence will return to The Republik at 7 p.m. April 20. Doors open at 6 p.m. Keilana and MTO will be guest performers. Tickets are $28.50, plus a $7.74 fee. Information:  (808) 941-7469 …

Paula Fuga also will be at The Republik at 8 p.m. April 21. Trishnalei will also appear, along with DJ Keala Kennelly. Tickets: $35, $45 on day of appearance. Information: (808) 941-7469 …

And that’s Show Biz…

Posted on

A THRILLING ‘LION,’ RICH IN PRIDE

Tip: Don’t let the “junior” label in “Lion King Jr.” fool you, or keep you away from attending one of the final performances this weekend at Mamiya Theatre.

The production, besieged with casting challenges last week, is a surprisingly splendid springboard of achievement for the 23 youths in the company that showcases professionalism, commitment, and pride. For the producers, Mo‘olelo Studios (in partnership with the Saint Louis Center for the Arts), this staging of Disney’s “Lion King Jr.” reflects a keen commitment to enlighten, elevate and educate youngsters employing theater arts to shape a  brand of storytelling through a circle of life in singing, dancing, and acting.

What a thrill!

Director Kyle Kakuno and choreographer Christine Yasunaga are the adults who have polished this show with talent from high school down to middle school. Kakuno, who has directed numerous musicals at Mamiya, has lured students from Saint Louis, Sacred Hearts Academy, campuses in proximity to the theater, but many come from other private and public schools this year, including Kamehameha, Farrington, Punahou, Le Jardine Academy,  Catholic Academy and Mililani.

Yasunaga, who was originally the lone Asian ensemble trouper in the Broadway company of “Lion King,” surely has contributed to the tone and temperament of this show, bringing insider knowledge rubbing off from working with Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor and choreographer Garth Fagan.

If you recall the distraction last week, several key roles had to be recast. The shuffle meant the replacements had only three days of rehearsals before last Saturday’s delayed premiere.

Yet, you’d never know, if the problem didn’t go public in this column.

So first, kudos to these valuable and valiant souls, who stepped into the production:

  • Nathaniel Ryan-Kern, as Mufasa, with commanding and kingly presence plus a rich, resounding voice.
  • Nainoa Kebo, as Simba, with youthful charm and boyish vulnerability.
  • Cocomi Mehring, as Nala, with comforting motherly concern.
  • Lyric Illiana Bernard,  as Rafiki, with perhaps the best booming voice projecting authority and advice
  • Zander Woolsey, as Pumbaa, the most comedic and carefree figure with constant “Hakuna Matata” philosophy.

You sense this will be an exhilarating thriller from the get-go, when the parade of puppet figures – elephant, rhinoceros, lionesses and more – parade from back of the house and trekking in both the left and right aisles, reaching the stage where Rafiki is rendering “Circle of Life” amid  loud howls and  appreciative cheers from the audience.

Isaiah Castillo is Scar, Pomaikai Kauka is Young Simba, in “Lion King. Jr.” at Mamiya Theatre.

You know the plot: Mufasa, a visionary, prepares Young Simba (Pomaikai Kauka) to one day become his successor as King to rule over the savanna, but Scar (Isaiah Castillo) the king’s brother and uncle to the cub, has other ideas, and the young successor disappears for a spell to sort out his options after the nasty uncle kills Mufasa, blaming Simba, who escapes to the dark side beyond the  Pride lands, despite the efforts of Zazu (Reagan Beissel) skillfully manipulating  the hornbill bird puppet) to warn him of imminent dangers.

Simba’s  journey encounters the team of Pumbaa and Timon (Christopher Casupang) and is threatened by three hyenas – Shenzi (Maya Yoshida),  Banzai (Lloyd Smith) and Ed (Aaron Dela Cruz) — eager to eat him.  

The production is blessed to utilize the remarkably professional puppets that elevate the show well beyond the “junior” label. These exquisite creations – from the elephant and to the pair of zebras, from the lionesses to the stellar Pumbaa figure – were created by Alison Joy Bishop  of Kamehameha Schools, which gave access and use of these remarkable puppets for this show, a grand gesture that reflects the cooperation and kindness of community sharing of valuable assets and skills.

There’s an element or two of special additions to “Lion King Jr.,” including a brief hula skirt worn by Timon, obviously to earmark this as a homegrown effort, and a couple of instances of “starlight” on the ceilings of the theater (look up, you’ll see ‘em) I have not experienced on Broadway or the earlier national touring company at Blaisdell Concert Hall.

In all ranks of the show, from costumes (designed by Chris Valles, with Cathy Kakuno as costumer) to scenic design (Nigyl Nissan, creator of Pride Rock), from lighting (Leo Uitto) to music (Miguel Cadoy III),  from sound (Steven Nelson) to makeup and wigs (Jess Aki), excellence prevails.

Everything you might expect – the staged stampede scene, first on video, then live with costumed dancers, the scene with the grass – are here.  And quite essential, for spectators and actors alike, there is a keepsake playbill with data and bios to navigate you through the show.

And yes, Mo‘olelo lives up to its mission name, of  sharing and passing down stories, myths or legends. There’s a lot of pride on and off stage. …

“Lion King Jr.”

A Disney musical with music by Elton John, lyrics by Tim Rice, and a book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi.

When:  7:30 p.m. March 31, 2 p.m. April 1, and 6 p.m. April 2, preceded by a 4:30 p.m. gala, with cocktails and pupu.

Where: Mamiya Theatre, at Saint Louis School/Chaminade University campus

Tickets: $15, at www.moolelostudios.simpletix.com

And that’s Show Biz. …