Bruno Mars could be part of your Valentine’s Day cheer this year.
The Hawaii native’s two hit titles, “Just the Way You Are” and “Marry Me,” are a treasure on a Hallmark vinyl greeting, now out. The 7-inch records are embedded in the sleeve of the snail-mail card. Cost is $12.99, but a caution: One title could be considered a marriage proposition.
Other popsters in Hallmark’s gallery of 2019 love song greetings feature Kelly Clarkson (“Love So Soft,” “Meaning of Life”) and Michael Buble (“My Funny Valentine,” “Everything”). If you need help to pledge amour to your beloved, find ’em at a card rack. …
MORE LOVE NOTES
“A Time for Love,” featuring soprano Kess O’Halloran, baritone Buz Tennent and pianist Don Conover, will be a Valentine’s-themed evening (with detours to Broadway music), from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Medici’s at Manoa Marketplace. Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door, at 351-0901 or medicismanoa.com. Dinner service available from 6:30 p.m. …
“Valentine’s With Manhattan Transfer,” featuring the jazz-pop group, is set for Wednesday through Saturday at Blue Note Hawaii. Showtimes are at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Tickets: 777-4890 or bluenotehawaii.com. …
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Loretta Ables Sayre returns to Blue Note Hawaii with a lone show at 8 p.m. Feb. 24.
Then she takes the spotlight at 7:30 p.m. March 25 in Manoa Valley Theatre’s Island Treasures event, part of the theater’s ongoing 50th anniversary season. Meanwhile, Willie K’s MVT gig precedes hers, at 7:30 p.m Tuesday, with a Blue Note stop at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Feb. 19. …
When Andy Bumatai revisits Blue Note at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Feb. 27, his guest star will be Frank De Lima, making his debut there. Should be LOL X 2. …
WHEE, WILLY!
What’s better than one Broadway singer on the Blue Note Hawaii stage?
Two.
That’s what Willy Falk, a Punahou School alum, delivered in his first-ever solo show in Hawaii on Jan. 29. Falk, the original Chris in the 1991 Broadway bow of “Miss Saigon,” was nominated for a Tony Award; he’s so humble, he didn’t even mention the honor when he belted out “Why, God, Why?,” one of his signatures from the musical.
Falk demonstrated much savvy and style, in music and in patter, conveying a primer on how to navigate your way from being a nobody to a somebody on the Great White Way.
Leilani Jones was the second Hawaii-reared Broadway figure, a Punahou colleague invited by Falk. She was known as Angie then; she won a 1985 Tony as best featured actress in a musical for her role in “Grind.”
Like Falk, Jones exhibited a divine style, in a solo and a duet, and emphatically projected the skills of a seasoned New York star.
With many fellow Punahou grads in attendance, it was surprising the alma mater wasn’t sung.
When locals go abroad and hone their craft, then come back home to celebrate their talent and accomplishments, it’s plain wonderful. Falk is a prime example of the engine that could. He keeps on chugging.
“Songs are like my best friends,” he said. “I think of songs as people.”
In an energetic show themed “Mostly Love,” he selected heartfelt tunes that had something to say.
A true storyteller, Falk explained themes, named composers, as if he were introducing friends. His opening, “Hey There Good Times,” portended happy thoughts aplenty. His patter was fresh, crisp, revealing, endearing and earnest, reflecting his Broadway background. He shared memories of his first New York audition, experiencing rejection over a span of 25 days. But perseverance paid off on his 26th day, when his “May I be seen?” request was granted.
Falk’s duet with Jones, with smooth counterpoint vocals on “I Hear Music/You’re Just in Love,” was a highlight. She also soloed, with eloquence, on “Mr. Monotony,” an oft-forgotten Jerome Robbins tune.
For fans, it was a total gem; for Blue Note, a milestone. Two Broadway stars sharing the same stage. …
And that’s “Show Biz.”
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com.
