Janel Parrish, the “Pretty Little Liars” actress and “Dancing With the Stars” finalist, has been plenty busy the past few months, and thanks to her mom, Joanne, we’re happy to share the buzz. Janel’s completed a film, “Tiger,” opposite Oscar nominee Mickey Rourke. The film, inspired by a true story, is about a Sikh boxer banned from the sport in Canada after refusing to shave his beard, with newcomer Prem Singh in the title role as Pardeep Nagra. …
Parrish also guests in the CBS buddy-cop drama “Rush Hour,” based on the Jackie Chan–Chris Tucker franchise. The show features Justin Hires as LAPD Detective Carter and Jon Foo as Hong Kong Detective Lee. CBS launches this one in March. …
Janel’s older sister Melissa got married in Sweden recently, so the family, including dad Mark, were on hand for the wedding. They also plan a Hawaii celebration in March. …
STAGE SHORTS: Daniel Dae Kim, Chin Ho Kelly on CBS’ “Hawaii Five-0,” is proving to be the most prolific among his TV co-stars and one who will be respected and rewarded for his versatility. He’ll make his Broadway debut, portraying the king of Siam in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Tony-winning “King and I,” at the Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theatre, May 3 through June 26.
In 2009 at London’s Royal Albert Hall, he sang and danced the part, so he’s no newbie. Like cast-mate Scott Caan, he’s done stage and films, too. But with this Broadway cred and a CBS deal to develop programming, Kim’s solidifying his foundation for life after “Five-0.” …
Timothy Bright, son of Clarke and Lynell Bright and grandson of the late stage director Ron Bright, has been named performer of the year at Fullerton College, where he is majoring in theater. He also was the best young performer in Orange County, which surely must mean Papa is beaming a heavenly smile. Meantime, Tim’s brother Chris is employed by Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, involved in the animated “Moana” film due to be released Nov. 23 with Hawaii teen Auli‘i Cravalho providing the lead character’s voice. …
LOVE LIVES: Saturday’s “For the Love of Jimmy” fundraiser at the Westin Moana Surfrider resort has achieved its $50,000 goal to nourish the endowment for the Jimmy Borges vocal music scholarship for needy students at the University of Hawaii. Hurray! That’s what Borges has dreamed of, to provide a legacy beyond his own jazz career. There were expenses, of course, to stage the event, but co-planner Cha Thompson said the goal has been reached, though some single seats may still be available. …
SHORTS OF SORTS: Did you catch Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo recently at the Hawaii Theatre? What a spectacular ensemble: guys doing ballet, yes, even en pointe, in parodies of actual ballet, making all the precise moves but adding a measure of manic hilarity. ’Twas nearly a full house — a great start of a tour that should have Trock fans belly-laughing while applauding. …
Blue Note Hawaii, in the remodeled former showroom space at the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel, looks hip and hot, with a calming and dark ambience tinged with blue lights. Caught the Rebirth Blues Band on a recent visit, an eight-member New Orleans band a tad too loud for my taste. With shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m. daily, the challenge will be attracting support with a roster of short-term acts (Earl Klugh, beginning Tuesday; Roberta Gambarini, from Feb. 2; Dee Dee Bridgewater, from Feb. 9; Joe Robinson, from Feb. 23; and the John Scofield &Joe Lovano Quartet, from March 1. Local acts will be part of the mix, but it may be difficult to rev up tour groups because of short-term bookings minus far-out schedules. Yet, a new club, even with jazz, is welcome in a staid Waikiki. …
Jack Cione will sign copies of his book “Repotting Can Be Such a Bitch” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. today at Na Mea Hawaii, Ward Village.
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or wayneharada@gmail.com. Read his Show and Tell Hawaii blog at staradvertiser.com.
