Comedian Sykes brings sharp edge to Hawaii shows

Tickets go on sale at noon today for two stand-up comedy shows by Wanda Sykes, Sept. 9 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center and Sept. 10 at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Sykes, known for her sharp wit and biting commentary, is a regular guest on late-night talk shows and has had numerous movie and television roles, including a recurring part on Larry David’s HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” She also had her own HBO comedy special, “I’ma Be Me,” last year.

Ticket prices are $46, $66 and $76 for the Maui show and $44.50, $54.50 and $74.50 for her Honolulu appearance. Tickets can be purchased, respectively, online at mauiarts.org, the center’s box office or by phone at 242-7469; and at the Blaisdell box office, Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 745-3000, or online at ticketmaster.com. Use the password IMABEME to buy tickets.

‘Five-0’ ranks expand with another pretty face

Actress Lauren German has joined the cast of “Hawaii Five-0,” portraying a “smart, beautiful, ex-Homeland Security officer hand-picked by the governor to join the Five-0 task force,” according to CBS. But she won’t only be there to chase bad guys; she’s also there to keep the team in check.

Listed as “a recurring character,” German is scheduled to appear in the second episode of the second season, which began production this week, and is said to be a potential love interest for Steve McGarrett, played by Alex O’Loughlin.

German was a regular on last year’s short-lived ABC series “Happy Town” and has appeared in several films, including the 2003 remake of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Hostel: Part II” in 2007.

The creative forces behind “Five-0” have been busy adding characters for the second season, including “Lost” alum Terry O’Quinn, film actor Tom Sizemore and Richard T. Jones of “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.” Also, Masi Oka, who was a recurring character last season, will have an expanded role.

The new season premieres Sept. 19.