It’s wait-and-hope season for two freshman network TV shows filmed here, and it appears that CBS’ “Hawaii Five-0” will soon get the nod to proceed to Season Two, while ABC’s “Off the Map” may well be off the map and sent to retirement.
Early reports indicate that the “Five-0” reboot, which has been toasted as the top new show of the past fall season, will surely pick up a renewal. Which means Steve McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) and his crew of Danny “Danno” Williams (Scott Caan), Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim) and Kono Kalakaua (Grace Park) will continue to fight crime in paradise — and contend with back-story expansion — for another year.
CBS has yet to give its official stamp of approval, of course, but the fact that crews have been building new sets within the former Advertiser home (the ex-News Building on Kapiolani Boulevard), coupled with the impressive ratings on Monday nights (typically from 10 to 13 million), are unofficial indicators of job security. The series shoots 22 episodes each season.
Meanwhile, ABC’s winter season entry, from Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers of “Grey’s Anatomy” success, could face cancellation. While ratings have not been disastrous (average is 6.8 million), the show — with Hawaii disguised as an outpost in South America — has not built a sizable fan base or buzz, and it’s highly possible that the production won’t be returning. The cast — Dr. Mina Minard (Mamie Gummer), Dr. Ben Keeton (Martin Henderson), Dr. Ryan Clark (Rachelle Lefevre), Dr. Tommy Fuller (Zach Gilford), Dr. Lily Brenner (Caroline Dhavernas), Dr. Otis Cole (Jason Winston George), and Zee Alvarez (Valerie Cruz) — has completed filming its 13-show order, with about half already shown.
The official renew or retire word could come down in the next few weeks or as late as May, when the next Nielsen TV sweeps are conducted, but renewal nods already have been bestowed on the tube’s sure bets, like ABC’s “Castle,” “The Middle,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Cougar Town,” “Private Practice,” and “Modern Family;” CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory,” “NCIS,” and “Two and a Half Men” (Charlie Sheen’s behavior notwithstanding); NBC’s “30 Rock;” and Fox’s “Glee,” “The Cleveland Show,” “ Raising Hope,” “Family Guy,” and “The Simpsons.”
Of course, dozens more are likely to be picked, including the likes of “Dancing With the Stars” and “Mr. Sunshine” on ABC; “How I Met Your Mother,” “The Good Wife,” “The Mentalist” plus the “CSI,” “Criminal Minds” and “NCIS” franchises on CBS; “Celebrity Apprentice,” “Parenthood,” “Community” and “The Office”on NBC; and “American Idol,” ”American Dad,” “House” and ”Bones” on Fox.
The CW’s staples — “One Tree Hill,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Supernatural,” “Nikita,” “Gossip Girl,” “90201” and “Hellcats” — should be returning in the fall.
It all comes down to : how many folks watch.
Of the two Hawaii-filmed series, which would you like to see for another season — "Hawaii Five-0" or "Off the Map"?

Musicals, anyone?
Army Community Theatre has replaced the earlier-announced “Chicago” with a musical revue, “Showstoppers,” which premiered Feb. 25 at Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter. A handful of familiar local troupers is in the cast.
Across town, Diamond Head Theatre has tapped Paolo Montalban, a Philippines star with Broadway and TV credits, to play the king in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s evergreen classic, “The King and I,” opening March 25 at DHT.
The ACT production collates the best of Broadway — past, present and future — and showcases the likes of Dennis Proulx, Shawa Masuda, Samuel Hesch, Renee Garcia-Hartenstein, Madison Eror, Alex Lanning, Guy Merola, Ingrid Harwood, Callie Doan, Miles Wesley and Ramon Del Barrior in song-and-dance favorites, some with an ensemble of dancers and singing chorus.
The fare includes “America” from “West Side Story,” “Love Never Dies” from “Phantom of the Opera 2: Love Never Dies,” “Send in the Clowns” from “A Little Night Music” and “And I’m Telling You ... I’m Not Going” from “Dreamgirls.”
Tunes from “Grease,” “Kiss of the Spiderwoman,” “Rent,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Spring Awakening,” “Cats,” “Cabaret,” “American Idiot,” “Next to Normal,” “Miss Saigon” and “Wicked” are also on the smorgasbord agenda.
Brett Harwood is directing “Showstoppers,” with Lina Doo and Peter Rucci serving as co-musical directors. Grace Bell is choreographer.

In “The King and I,” Tricia Marciel portrays Anna Leonowens, the widow who brings her son Louis (Jackson Brians) to the Royal Palace in Bangkok, where she encounters the King of Siam (Montalban) to serve as tutor of his many children. The unusual love story, with global implications, embraces a such classics as “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Getting to Know You,” “Hello, Young Lovers,” “Shall We Dance,” and “Something Wonderful.”
Montalban is best known for his portrayal of Prince Christopher, opposite Brandy as Cinderella, in ABC/Disney’s telepic of the Rodgers & Hammerstein oldie; he reprised his role on stage, opposite Deborah Gibson. He also appeared in such Broadway productions as “Pacific Overtures” and “King and I” and established a following as Kung Lao in TV’s “Mortal Kombat: Conquest.”
Grez Zane, a former Honolulu actor, director and ballet dancer, is guest-directing and choreographing, with Emmett Yoshioka conducting the orchestra.

‘SHOWSTOPPERS’
7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, through March 13
Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter
$20-$25 adults, $15 children; discounts for students, senior citizens, military
438-4400, www.armytheatre.com

‘THE KING & I’
Premieres at 8 p.m. March 25; repeats at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, through April 10, with 3 p.m. matinees April 2 and 9
Diamond Head Theatre
$12-$42, discounts for children under 18, fulltime students, seniors 62 and older and active-duty military
733-0274, www.diamondheadtheatre.com

“Avenue Q,” the Tony Award-winning adult musical comedy with good-natured but sometimes naughty puppets, makes its Hawaii debut at 7:30 p.m. March 3 at Manoa Valley Theatre.
Caution: This is not a Muppets show for kids, though the curious and “mature” youngsters — perhaps as young as 12, but MVT suggests 14 or older — could attend with parental guidance. There are grown-up themes and some raunchy dialogue; this is, after all, a reflection of real life.
I saw the original on Broadway; the show was remounted and still is running off-Broadway, so it’s a very current attraction.
We offer these “Q” tips to help you navigate this “Avenue” stroll:

What’s it about: A slice of life, centering on Princeton, a college grad who returns to his New York city digs, with a mix of 20-something characters/neighbors with big dreams and lean pocketbooks — like unemployed comic, his therapist fiancée, a building superintendent named Gary Coleman (yes, THAT Coleman, now deceased) and others... all struggling and coping with mundane life challenges, like jobs, sex, Internet porn, drinking, relationships, commitments.
Why it’s appealing: The show engages “Sesame Street”-like puppets, with some actors manipulating cartoonish puppets affixed to their arms.
Why caution is required: The script is peppered with frank language, including expletives undeleted; the puppets often depict suggestive moves, so parental guidance is recommended — consider the maturity of the children. This much is certain: This is not a show for the kindergarten or the grade-school crowd, but teens will giggle approval.
Echoes you’ll recognize: The sidewalk is peopled by folks reflecting the sass and sizzle of Miss Piggy, the camaraderie of Ernie and Bert, the neighborliness of Mr. Rogers, the wisdom of the Cookie Monster and Big Bird. And there’s a musical diva, too. The familiarity is coincidental — not intentional — but you be the judge.
Sample songs: Titles include “It Sucks to be Me,” “The Internet Is for Porn,” “Everyone’s a Little Racist,” “If You Were Gay,” “I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today.”
History: The show originally opened off-Broadway, in March 2003; transferred to Broadway in July 2003, where it ran for six years, closing in September 2009; reopened off-Broadway in October, 2009, where it marked its first anniversary last year.
Hawaii ties: Kevin McCollum, one of the show’s award-winning producer, is a 1980 Punahou graduate; Ann Harada, who created the original Christmas Eve character, also is a Punahou grad (’81).
Join the crowd: These folks have seen “Avenue Q:” Barbara Walters, Ben Stiller, Bette Midler, Billy Crystal, President Bill Clinton plus Hillary and Chelsea, Carol Burnett, Diane Sawyer, Glenn Close, George Lucas, Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Janet Jackson, Katie Couric, Nathan Lane, Nicole Kidman, Patti LuPone, Rosie O'Donnell, Stephen Sondheim and Tom Hanks.

‘AVENUE Q’
Opens at 7:30 p.m. March 3; repeats 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays, through March 20
Manoa Valley Theatre
$35 general, $30 seniors and military; $25 youths under 25
988-6131, www.manoavalleytheatre.com.

MVT cast:

Elitei Tatafu Jr. as Princeton
Jody Bill as Kate
Eric Manke as Nicky
Chris Villasenor as Rod
Jaq Ryan Galliano as Trekkie
Jen Dickinson as Lucy
Miguel Pa‘ekukui as Girl Bad Idea Bear
Braddoc DeCaires as Boy Bad Idea Bear
Brian Gilhooly as Brian
Pomai Lopez as Christmas Eve
Alison Maldonado as Gary Coleman
Garrett Taketa as Puppeteer

Bree Bumatai is guest director
Megan Mount is guest musical director
Cindy Hartigan is choreographer/puppeteer

Have you previously seen "Avenue Q"?
Share your opinions/reviews ...

Fish and karaoke were the unlikely menu items at Morimoto’s, the chic and trendy restaurant at the Waikiki Edition Hotel, when “Hawaii Five-0” taped a segment there today (Feb. 17).
The fish in question housed a bullet, evidence sought by Steve McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) and Danny “Danno” Williams (Scott Caan t), in a scene from CBS’ hit procedural drama, set to air March 21.
Karaoke was rendered by Iron Chef Morimoto — Masaharu Morimoto, of the Food Network’s “Iron Chef” show — who landed a guest role. His song? “What a Wonderful World.”
In the context of the show, Morimoto — who plays himself — went al dente, dispensing rehearsals to turn in a natural and honest interpretation as a karaoke-loving kitchen wizard interrupted by McGarrett & Co.
"I'm not an actor. I'm not a singer, so I have to do it natural,” Morimoto told Hawaii News Now.
During pauses in filming, O’Loughlin — arm in a sling — mingled with adoring fans pooside.
Happily, there was no sighting of Wo Fat, McGarrett ’s arch nemesis on "Five-0," played by Mark Dacascos, who happens to be The Chairman on “Iron Chef.”
"Hawaii Five-0" airs at 9 p.m. Mondays on KGMB9.

Amy Hanaiali’i and a compilation of Hawaiian slack key music are among the winners in the 2011 Hawaii Music Awards, an interactive “People’s Choice” competition conducted online.
An awards banquet will be held April 11 to honor the victors and nominees.
The Hawaii Music Awards — open to Hawaiian music artists locally, nationally and internationally — attract both established acts and newbies and enable them to get recognition and acknowledgment via its website. The competition — established in 1996 — is open to all, without membership dues, and is an alternative to the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, which feature a people’s choice slot but otherwise restrict voting to dues-paying members of the local recording community. So performers, like Hanaiali'i, emerge on all eligible music competitions, including The Grammy's Hawaiian Music category.

The winners:

Adult Contemporary —The Waitiki 7, “New Sounds of Exotica”

Anthology —Dennis Soares, “Worldwide Composers Vol. 1”

Children's Music —Tia Carrera, “Huana Ke Aloha”

Classical Music — Kool Hand Luke, “Classical Ukulele Masterpieces”

Compilation Album — “Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Vol. 3,”
George Kahumoku, Dennis Kamakahi, Sonny Lim

Contemporary Hawaiian — Amy Hanaiali'i, “Slack Key Masters of Hawaii”

Dancehall Reggae ( Recognition Award Category) — HaleAmonO, “Haleamano House of Sharks”

DVD —Typical Hawaiians, “Honolulu City Life”

Exotica Music —Tiki Joe's Ocean, “Under the Midnight Sun”

Film Score (Recognitions Award Category) — L.M. Azpiazu, “Film Noir: The Musical”

Folk Music — Stephen Inglis, “Slackin' on Dylan”

Hip Hop — Yung Tunez, “InVasion”

Inspirational/Gospel Music — Cindy Paulos, “Practicing Aloha”

Island Contemporary — Heart & Soul, “Take It Easy”

Jazz — Paul Shimomoto, “All That Hawaiian Jazz”

Latin Music (Recognition Award Category) — Rolando Sanchez, “Vamonos de Fiesta (Let’s Go Party)”

New Age — Shawn Livingston Mosely, “Karmatic Contracts”

Polynesian Music — Te Vaka, “Haoloto”

Pop Music —Hana & Satchwell, “Chillaxin’”

Rap Music— I.A., “Beyond Paradise”

Reggae —The Green, “The Green”

Rhythm & Blues — Brysen G., “Grown”

Rock — Allright Family Band

Seasonal Music — John Tussey, “Christmas Impressions”

Single — J. Boog, “Let’s Do It Again”

Ska Music ( Recognition Award Category) — My Peoples, “Light Up”

Slack Key (tie) —Doug & Sandy McMaster, “Hanalei Tradition;” Patrick Landeza, “Kuu Honua Mele (My Music World)”

Steel Guitar — Alan Akaka, Casey Olson, Greg Sardinha, “Hawaiian Steel, Vol. 6”

Traditional Hawaiian — Napua Makua, “Mohalu”

Ukulele Music —Herb Ohta, Jr., “Ukulele Nahenahe”

World Music — Angela Crandall, “Malaika”

15th Annual Hawaii Music Awards
Winners and Nominees Banquet

6 to 10 p.m. April 11
Manoa Grand Ballroom, Japanese Cultural Center
$75 dinner and show; pupus from 6 to 7 p.m., buffet and show, 7 to 10 p.m.
951-6699, www.thehawaiimusicawards.com