Hawaii’s Ruthie Ann Miles, who won a Tony Award for her portrayal of Lady Thiang in the Lincoln Center reboot of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, “The King and I,” will be part of a filmed version of the London production due this fall.
Miles, who was injured in a devastating accident in Brooklyn, N.Y., which took the lives of her daughter and later her unborn child, belatedly joined her original colleagues Kelli O’Hara (as Anna Leonowens) and Ken Watanabe (as the King) in the London Palladium mounting a few weeks back. That production now has been filmed for a cinematic release entitled “The King and I: From the London Palladium,” which will debut Nov. 29 for global audiences followed by a screening in U.S. theaters on Dec. 4, Hawaii included (details to be announced).
Trafalgar Releasing is distributing “The King and I,” directed by Bartlett Sher. The show earned 2015’s best musical revival Tony trophy with O’Hara also a Tony victor as lead actress in a musical. …
HURRICANE BLAME
When Hurricane Lane forced closure of schools and state facilities last weekend, Timothy Bright, son of maestro Clarke Bright, was disappointed that he couldn’t witness what would have been the first rehearsals with band and cast members of “The Wiz.” Young Bright was hoping to see and hear the first tuneup of band and troupers prepping for the musical that the I’m A Bright Kid Foundation is opening Friday at Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College, but the theater was shut down. Alas, Bright had to catch a flight to London last Sunday, where the theater major at Rutgers University joined his fellow drama peers for a year’s study at the Globe Theatre in London, so he’ll miss the production entirely. But not to worry; grandma Mo Bright, widow of the late Ron Bright, promised to send him progress videos and photos from “The Wiz” creative team. …
AND HURRICANE LAME
At the start of Lane’s flurry (Oahu, for the most part, dodged the bullet of the hurricane’s fury), comedian Frank DeLima composed a timely parody dubbed “Don’t Be Scared, Just Be Prepared,” anticipating wind and rain. The parody, a video which I shared on my Facebook page, was to the melody of “Here Comes Santa Claus,” and was intended to be a teachable moment for youngsters at DeLima’s school tours, which resumed last week. ‘Twas a bright bit of comedic effort to reduce tension and angst in favor of a nod for safety and a measure of faith.
CONCERT CUES
>> Comedian Andy Bumatai returns to Blue Note Hawaii at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Sept. 14, tapping Darryl Bonilla as his warmup. Tickets: $25 to $45, at bluenotehawaii.com or 725-2130.
>> Marie Osmond marks her 59th birthday and her Hawaii concert debut at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at Blaisdell Arena. The Osmond bros Merrill, Jay, David, Alan and Wayne will participate, too, but where is Donny? Bumatai makes a guest appearance. Tickets: $65 to $250, at ticketmaster.com. …
>> Augie T’s “Laugh Under the Stars 2,” a benefit for BRAVE Hawaii, is set for 6:15 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Waikiki Shell. Seven students will vie in the BRAVE Hawaii talent show, with Kapena taking the stage from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m., followed by Augie in his usual standup glory. Tickets: $60 VIP, $20 terrace, $10 lawn, at ticketmaster.com. …
>> “A Johnny Mathis Christmas,” a yuletide present, unfolds at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22 at Blaisdell Concert Hall. Mr. “Wonderful, Wonderful” has put his imprint on so many holiday faves, so chances are “Sleigh Ride,” “We Need a Little Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” are among the Christmas souvenirs he’ll share. Tickets: $49.50 to $199.50, at ticketmaster.com. …
And that’s “Show Biz.”
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
