(From FrolicHawaii.com 7/17/2014) – Amanda Stevens

Finally, there’s a new show in town, something my friends and I can go to that’s Las Vegas strip worthy, hip, sexy and very much cheeky in every sense of the word. It’s the CabaRAE my friends. Fellow Frolic contributor Tracy Chan and I caught a private preview of the show Tuesday at the Tapa Ballroom at Hilton Hawaiian Village.

The RAE in CabaRAE stands for Random Acts of Entertainment, but before I tell you about the show itself, I’ve got to dish about our “hard hat” preview of the soon-to-be permanent space near the pool. “This will be an epic build-out, a $5 million dollar Spiegeltent, Dutch for mirror tent,” says Alan Goldberg, the show’s creative producer and co-founder, who had directed Cirque du Soleil for the “O” Show in Las Vegas. “…The intimate space will include a 360 experiential stage, backstage rigging, and more secret features within the 10,000 square foot transformation.  Our co-founder, the RMD Group, will be the driving force in creating a state-of -the-art bar, VIP experience and after party.”

Back to the show, we knew it was going to be different when the ring master announced at the start: “Feel free to get up in the middle of the show and get a drink.” But the show was so adrenaline-filled, people actually waited until intermission. It was burlesque-meets-circus with aerial artistry, daredevil feats of strength, and naughty bits that make it a PG-13 show. The level of interaction with the audience is not something you see very often, it took the comedy acts to the next level. Cast members hail from Great Britain, Australia, Germany, France, Canada, Russia and Las Vegas and collectively presented 14 acts during the hour and a half show.

So here’s my official review, Hawaii needs this level of entertainment. It is perfect for a first date, or 100th date, bachelor or bachelorette soiree, and perfect for a GNO, there’s no shortage of beautiful bodies. I love that it does not try to be a Hawaiian show; leave that to those who do it best.

CabaRAE preview show

Photos by Tracy Chan

CabaRAE
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Tapa Tower Ballroom
2005 Kalia Road
808-354-0629
www.CabaRAE.com
Preview tickets: adults $60; kamaaina/senior/military $50; children 3-11 $40; kamaaina children $30; children 2 and under free
Previews are Thursday-Sunday, with cocktails at 7 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m., followed by a meet-and-greet with the cast

(From FrolicHawaii.com 6/10/2014) – Amanda Stevens

Photo by Stephen Fong

We’re all busy. But if we look on the plus side, most of us are also super lucky. There are those out there who could use a little kokua, and what better time to start giving than the slower days of summer?

Chances are you’ve already thought about volunteering. A recent report shows that Generation X — people born between 1965 and 1980 — are active volunteers. Many millennials — those born after 1980 — seek out volunteer networks. Over three-quarters of millennials cite “passion for the cause” as their primary motivation for nonprofit giving, either through monetary donations or volunteering.

If you’re not sure where to begin, ask yourself this: What cause is nearest to your heart? I chose Special Olympics because someone dear to me has special needs, and they’ve been a blessing to our ohana. Since I coached track at Iolani for more than a decade, it was natural that I start coaching and eventually officiating at the Special Olympics Summer Games.

Here are some more ideas to help you get started:

• Get in shape! Coach a high school, Special Olympics or Boys and Girls Club team.
• Have fun in the sun. Be on the lookout for a beach cleanup or volunteer to build lo’i patches with Kupu or other environmental groups.
• Read a good book lately? Volunteer to read to seniors or preschoolers.
• Take some of the sting out of taxes. If you don’t have time to give, consult your tax professional and see what kind of donation might benefit the community and you.
• You’re artsy and you know it. A stint as a museum docent or guest art teacher at a school may feed your soul.
• Can’t have a furry friend? Consider volunteering at the Hawaii Humane Society, or at an animal shelter near you.
• De-clutter. Donate your gently used, clean clothes and household items to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, Savers or another thrift store run by a non-profit.
• Share some soup. Volunteer for a shift at one of the city’s soup kitchens or donate to the Hawaii Food Bank.

This is just the beginning. Seriously, you know the quote: Be the change you want to see in the world.

Here’s my favorite volunteer event: last weekend’s Special Olympics.

2014 Special Olympics Summer Games

Lots of support at the starting line.

Photo by Stephen Fong.

(From FrolicHawaii.com 5/29/2014) – Amanda Stevens

Photo by Patrick Fraser

You know when you see an actor early in their career and you just know they’re going to be huge one day? I called it when I saw Sandra Bullock in “Love Potion No. 9” and Natalie Portman as a little girl in the very grown-up movie “The Professional.” Both have since won Oscars.

Well, it happened again when I saw Tui Asau in “The Haumana.” He has a quiet, understated confidence but with a vulnerability and depth that you just can’t teach. Asau plays Jonny Kealoha, a Waikiki entertainer who’s lost touch with his culture. Kealoha is nonetheless called to lead his old halau, a duty he reluctantly accepts, only to find that the process of returning to his roots leaves him as much to learn as his haumana, or students. “Tui immersed himself in the role, and learned the language and how to dance hula with such authenticity,” says Keo Woolford, the movie’s writer and director. “I can’t imagine anyone else playing the lead.”

Also in the movie is Kelly Hu, who provides comic relief as a tita-esque bartender who speaks her mind. “The Haumana” screened at the Hawaii International Film Festival last year and continues to do well on the international film festival circuit. Its DVD release is slated for this summer.

I talked with Asau about the power of Hawaii, the movie, his current project and advice for aspiring artists.

You were born in Montana and traveled throughout the Pacific. What is your earliest memory of Hawaii?
I was born in Helena, Montana and moved to Hawaii when I was one. And then we hopped around the South Pacific. I have honestly never really sat down to think about that, but I guess my first memory is actually of the water. The first time that we moved to Hawaii, my family moved to Honolulu. I remember my Dad putting me on a boogie board and pulling me through the water down at Waikiki.

Why is Hawaii special to you?
It’s mana. I hadn’t been back to Hawaii in almost eight years prior to the filming of “The Haumana.” I remember stepping off of the plane and being hit with this overwhelming sense of spirit. It engulfed me and I started weeping. I have never been to another place that has ever done that to me. It was almost like being embraced by a lover after a long gap.

“The Haumana’s” message and popularity seem to resonate for those from Hawaii and beyond. How has the experience shaped you as an actor?
It has helped me to connect to myself more. Because I moved around so much as a child, I was forced to blend in with the new culture and people, school, et cetera. So I always had to put myself aside to a certain extent in order to survive. “The Haumana” gave me the powerful gift of being able to reconnect myself with my roots, spirit, identity. Those things are huge as an actor but also as a human being.

Photo by Patrick Fraser

Tell us about “Oh You Pretty Things!”, the web series format, your character and the strong fashion presence of the show.
OYPT is a new show set in the East Side of Los Angeles and deals with the fashion, art and music scene there. All of the characters are at different levels of their careers: the newly formed band, the successful musicians and the people that cover them. It is brilliantly created by Brian Canning and Christian Casucci and being produced by We Put Out Ent, Maker Studios and Nylon Magazine. It’s directed by Rico Martinez (creator of North Shore for MTV) who is hapa and has strong family ties to the Big Island.

I play Noah Green, the dark, troubled, successful musician who is coming back into town to try to get back with his beautiful journalist-photographer ex-girlfriend (played by Francesca Eastwood). The entire series can be viewed on www.watchoypt.com along with behind-the-scenes footage, interviews and fashion tutorials. The fashion is all from L.A. The stylists have done a brilliant job of capturing the vibe of not only each character, but also the entire L.A. indie music scene.

What message could you share with Hawaii youth who wish to follow in your

Photo by Amanda Waud

footsteps and pursue a career in the arts?

Do it. That is the only advice that I can give. Do everything and anything that you can to dive into the craft and to pursue your dreams. Do not allow anyone tell you that you can’t. There will be a lot of crabs in the bucket, trying to pull you back inside as you try to crawl out. But don’t let them. Do it and enjoy the work and the journey.

Eddie would go … and so should you.

(From FrolicHawaii.com 4/12/2014) – Amanda Stevens

Mu’umu’u Heaven, a popular eco-chic boutique that closed its doors in Kailua, has opened in Waikiki as a pop-up until the end of June. The new space at T-Galleria is larger than a typical pop-up; it’s more of an exploratory exhibit, starting from the makai entrance of the mall’s walkway, extending to the mauka end.

I was impressed with the re-purposed beach hut, made from 90 percent recyclable materials — definitely in line with Mu’umu’u Heaven founder Deb Mascia’s commitment to sustainable island living. Inside the hut, there’s a nice mix of upcycled and updated dresses and some fun stuffed animals made from rubber and material. There also are t-shirts, accessories and vintage home accessories, plus a section dedicated to men’s aloha wear and Hawaiian art.

Speaking of art, you might remember that T-Galleria and Pow Wow Hawaii recently partnered to feature local artists and designers. Now, designer Yurie Okada and Tamara Rigney a landscape architect, florist and co-owner of Paiko, are among the local artists showcased at the space.

Although some of the items are at a higher price point than at the Kailua location, the pop-up supports local artists, and tax is included.

Here’s a look at the entire space from beginning to end

These are re-purposed doors from Punahou School.

Babauta told me that these animals are made from recycled rubber slippers.

Gold and ruby vintage glassware circa the 1970s.

I love milk glassware and dishes with its vintage country vibe

This wicker chair is epic and filled with pillows made from recycled aloha-themed material.

Olive green glass-ware circa 1960s-1970s.

These handmade ornaments can be given as gifts year-round, but they would look great on a Christmas tree.

Enter a caption

(From FrolicHawaii.com 4/6/2014) – Amanda Stevens

Funny, super smart and thankfully, unpredictable. This tagline should be on the poster of the romantic comedy, “How to Fight in Six Inch Heels,” directed by Ham Tran. I had a chance to work with Tran on a project in 2006, the same year his film, “Journey From the Fall,” showed at the Hawaii International Film Festival. Back then, I would never have guessed that he’d work on a fashion romantic comedy, but we should all be so glad he did.

Kathy Uyen, who is an undeniable triple-threat in the industry, produced, co-wrote and starred in this film. The story begins in New York, where Anne (Uyen), a Type A, ambitious and rigidly organized budding fashion designer seems to have it all, and all planned out in two year spans — engaged for two years, career success two years later, than a baby two years after that. But fate has different plans when her fiance, Kiet (Petey Majik Nguyen), a Vietnamese businessman, breaks the news that he got a promotion, but has to spend three months working in Saigon.

While the pair are on video chat, trying to keep the fires of the relationship burning while long distance, Kiet accidentally falls and his laptop reveals a pair of high heels on his hotel room floor. Anne begins to cyberstalk Kiet, convinced he’s dating one of the supermodels he’s been photographed with and intent on tracking him down in person.

Once she gets to Vietnam, the movie picks up steam and her friend, Danny (Don Nguyen), a fabulous stylist and my favorite character, helps her to infiltrate the world of supermodels and fashion in Saigon. In the spirit of “The Devil Wears Prada,” there is an epic makeover montage, with shopping, make-up and the works. Danny teaches, and even tortures Anne into mastering the art of walking in six-inch heels, striking a pose, and even what not to eat.

There’s a good balance of laughter, light intrigue and sweet moments in this film, so you don’t have to be a fan of haute couture to appreciate it. Oh but if you are, you’ll be in fashion heaven.

It’s playing this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at Dole Cannery Theatres, as part of HIFF’s 15th Annual Spring Showcase.

(From FrolicHawaii.com 3/26/2014) – Amanda Stevens

The new H&M in Waikiki — the first H&M outlet in Hawaii — officially opens to the public Thursday at noon. But on Tuesday, I got an early tour of the highly anticipated 31,000-square-feet mega store, with high ceilings and natural light. I’ve been an H&M fan since my days in New York City and often frequented the Fifth Avenue store, the first H&M to open in the United States.

Like other H&Ms around the world, the 2270 Kalakaua Ave. location (at the Waikiki Business Plaza) offers stylish clothes, accessories and shoes for men, women and teens at a value, with prices ranging from about $5 to $130. Both sexes will be happy with the wide selection of fun, yet classic, street chic and perfect-for-the-office pieces. Guys can pick up a good shirt or pants for about $29, and women (and teens) will be able to purchase a head-to-toe ensemble for less than $50.

H&M hired more than 100 local employees for its two-level Waikiki boutique and says Hawaii will be one of its signature stores. If you’re planning to check out the store on Thursday, expect a crowd. For the grand opening, H&M will give the first 500 shoppers in line a limited-edition tote bag with local surf photos, and an Access to Fashion Pass valued from $10 to $500. There also will be opening day sales with merchandise starting at $5. Parking shouldn’t be an issue; the first three hours of parking at the Waikiki Business Plaza and the Waikiki Shopping Center is free with validation.

Here’s a little history on the store. In 1946, company founder Erling Persson was on a trip to the United States and came up with the idea of offering fashionable clothing at attractive prices. A year later, he opened his first shop in Sweden, Hennes (“her” in Swedish), which exclusively sold women’s clothing. In 1968, the hunting apparel retailer Mauritz Widforss was acquired, which led to the inclusion of menswear and the name change to Hennes & Mauritz, hence H&M.

While browsing through the store on Tuesday, I noticed a few spring trends that should give you a sneak peek of what to expect in terms of fashion.

Pilgrim: Bohemian, nonchalant, feminine blouses, neutral colors, wide brimmed hats and leather bags to complete the look. Lace is big in this trend with neutral colors like beige and soft pink.

Living in Paris: The look is sporty versus feminine- pleated skirt with a sweatshirt. Color palette, again pinks and beige with tough neutrals, khaki, army green.

Pioneers: Neutral colors. For women, the look is cropped with a waist focus. The men’s looks are edgy and modern.

Shades of Pink: The look is feminine and sweet but cool. It includes shades of pink, stripes, dots and color blocking. The silhouette is a full skirt with a boxy crop top.

Dessert Traveler: Utility chic and safari glamour. A mix of earth tones from beige to burnt red, embellishments and metal are key elements to this trend.

Here are some other looks on display at H&M Waikiki:

H&M sneak peek