Marcus Mariota, the homegrown NFL fave prepping to return to the QB slot of the Tennessee Titans after sustaining a broken leg last season, surely will spend off-season time at the Waialae Country Club. No. 8 has been extended membership at the Waialae, which means he can relax, golf and entertain family and friends. Natch, Sandy Beach will forever remain his go-to place for peace — for fans, it may provide a possible Mariota sighting. …
And Hawaii-grown Dwayne Johnson is sharing a special moment in the current No. 1 attraction, “The Fate of the Furious.” Johnson — playing Luke Hobbs in No. 8 in the series — coaches his daughter’s soccer team, the Red Dragons, and leads the warriorettes in a menacing but marvelous pre-game Maori haka, threatening their opponents in one of the flick’s homey, hilarious moments. Of course, Johnson also creates havoc in prison and behind the wheels, looking like he’s taking over and claiming the “Fast and Furious” franchise as his own. …
And one more No. 8 item: CBS’ “Hawaii Five-0” has earned a Season 8 extension, which means Alex O’Loughlin and crew will be back for at least one more year. However, it’s no secret the actor who plays Steve McGarrett has hinted that “eight is enough” — he wants out — so this might be the finale. …
WHEE, THE PEOPLE
Braddoc DeCaires is the new production manager/technical assistant at Manoa Valley Theatre, succeeding Bree Kale‘a Peters, who is relocating with her husband to the Big Island. DeCaires’ theatrical credits, on stage and behind the scenes, span 40 years. Peters, meanwhile, will return to the MVT fold when she directs the Hawaii premiere of the Tony Award-winning musical “Fun Home” in March 2018. …
Jack and Cha Thompson hosted a belated Christmas party for more than two dozen Tihati Productions employees last week at Roy Yamaguchi’s Eating House 1849 restaurant at the Grand Lanai of the International Market Place. The staff had myriad activities during the holidays, making it tough to assemble the troops till now. Carols weren’t sung, but Christmas bonuses were tucked in yuletide cards. …
Filipino comic Ron Josol performs at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Dot’s in Wahiawa and at 8 p.m. Thursday at HASR Bistro in Chinatown. Tickets: $28, at 864-2980, bojacproductions.ticketsocket.com; $48 VIP tickets include drinks from 7 to 9 p.m. …
THE LUNCH BUNCH
Wednesday is Administrative Professionals Day, with a number of luncheons set. The Prince Waikiki assembles Henry Kapono, Jerry Santos, Bobby Moderow Jr., Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Josh Tatofi, Alx Kawakami and Blayne Asing for serenades between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets: $59 per person ($560 for a table of 10), at 952-4789. …
Elsewhere, Kapena headlines a lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Pomaika‘i Ballrooms at Dole Cannery. Blayne Asing and Jon Yamasato also perform. Tickets: $45, at 695-4496. …
The Willows will mark the occasion with a Friday fashion show, at 11:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., in partnership with ‘Iolani Sportswear. An ‘Iolani pop-up store will take over the Willows chapel; show models include state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, KHON anchor Kristine Uyeno, entertainer Danny Kaleikini and Outrigger Hotels exec Max Sword, with Hawaii News Now’s Billy V emceeing. Buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. all week. Cost: $27.95, at 952-9200. …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran Honolulu entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or email wayneharada@gmail.com.
