Hawaii’s Bette Midler, a Tony winner last year for “Hello, Dolly,” will join Oscar-winning Allison Janney (“I, Tonya”) by adding their voices to the upcoming animated feature “The Addams Family.”
Midler will portray Grandmama and Janney will be Margaux Needler; the film is scheduled to be released Oct. 11, 2019.
Already aboard: Oscar winner Charlize Theron as Morticia, Nick Kroll as Uncle Fester, Oscar Isaac as Gomez, Chloe Grace Moretz as Wednesday, and Finn Wolfhard as Pugsley. But no mention yet of Lurch or Thing.
The classic TV show had several reboots — on the small tube, on the big screen and even on Broadway as a musical. Its success has been checkered over the decades, and the forthcoming animated version appears to be targeting a new generation of young and mature adults plus their kids and grandkids. There’s been a flood of animated features and it will be curious to see if the legacy impacts future generations.
Midler, meantime, returns to “Dolly!” (along with original reboot leads) for the show’s final six weeks, July 17 through Aug. 25, at the Shubert Theatre. …
MEANWHILE, ON THE AVENUE
Tony-winning “Avenue Q,” in the midst of an off-Broadway revival, will mark its 15th anniversary with original cast members including Punahou School grad Ann Harada (as Christmas Eve), joined by Stephanie D’Abruzzo (Kate Monster and Lucy), John Tartaglia (Rod) and Rick Lyon (Trekkie Monster), returning for 15 performances July 18 to 29. (Harada has no relation to this columnist.)
Kevin McCollum, a Hawaii native (and a major player on the Great White Way) is one of the original producers of the original musical as well as the off-Broadway revival.
The popular production continues at the New World Stages and is notable for its “Sesame Street”-inspired puppets uttering expletives amid mature themes. The anniversary run also will welcome Barrett Foa (“NCIS: Los Angeles”), Anika Larsen and Rob McClure. …
NOT QUITE THE TONYS
The Po‘okela Awards, applauding achievement in the Hawaii theater community, will be held from 6 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Ko‘olau Ballrooms in Kaneohe. The Hawai‘i State Theatre Council annually salutes multiple honorees in a range of categories, from actors and directors to plays and musicals. Not exactly the Tonys, but it’s all we have here. …
ALL THAT JAZZ
Michael Paulo, via his Apaulo Music Productions, is assembling a roster of musical pals and peers, for a Smooth Jazz Concert at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Liliu Theater, Hawai‘i Convention Center. The gig coincides with the release of Paulo’s “Beautiful Day” CD. The roster includes saxophonist Paulo, keyboarder Greg Karukas, guitarist Peter White, drummer Eric Valentine and bassist Darryl Williams. Tickets: $60, $70, at tix.com or 951-696-0184. A reception-only ticket, $35, includes wine, cheese and a meet-and-greet. …
Jazz aficionados will be transported to the swing era of “Gay Paree,” when Gypsy 808 uncorks jazz with the aura of gypsy magic, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Medici’s in Manoa Marketplace. Inspired by the guitarmanship of Django Reinhardt and the violin artistry of Stephane Grappelli, the band features guitarists Emmett Mahoney and Joe Zavac, clarinetist Norm Foster, and bassist Alex Morrison. Dinner service from 6:30 p.m. Admission: $20 advance, $25 door, at medicismanoa.com or 351-0901. …
And that’s “Show Biz.”…
Wayne Harada is a veteran Honolulu entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or email wayneharada@gmail.com.
