Local boy Jason Tam, fondly remembered as the first Island Gavroche in "Les Miserables" (as a child star here and in New York) and Paul San Marcos in the 2006 Broadway revival of "A Chorus Line" (as an adult), has a pivotal role in a "Chorus" documentary that was a hit at the Toronto film festival.

Tam was in Tokyo last month with "Chorus" cohorts Charlotte d'Amboise and Yuka Takara to promote the stirring documentary on theater casting, titled "Every Little Step," directed by James D. Stern and Adam Del Deo, which relives the remounting of the late Michael Bennett's iconic musical.

Tam, the Punahou School grad who is the son of Honolulans James and Linda Tam, is in the Sony-acquired documentary, and reads for the part of Paul, a role that his early mentor, the late Tommy Aguilar, originated in the London company, and to whom Tam paid homage when he inherited the opportunity to play Paul. It's the part of the Puerto Rican dancer who secretly works as a transvestite in a gay club and whose father disowns him because of his sexual orientation. The dilemma is shared in a stirring, tear-evoking monologue when Paul reveals that his father finally — and for the first time — calls him "son," an audition that brought director Bob Avian to tears, hiring Tam on the spot. One singular sensation. ...

GOTTA GO: You simply must find tickets to Diamond Head Theatre's "Les Miserables," a must-see. One rare Wednesday show, at 8 p.m. Oct. 15, has been added — your best bet for seats — and you'll applaud this jewel, grandly co-directed and co-choreographed by Peter Lockyer and Melanie Tojio Lockyer. "Les Miz" makes a grand leap to community theater turf with so much to appreciate; it is superbly staged, beautifully sung, masterfully reimagined with the heart of the original.

Lockyer, appearing as Jean Valjean, heads a stellar cast of a few seasoned pros but mostly eager amateurs who rise to the emotional level of the show in every instance. Let's name names: Thomas Johnson as Javert; Tricia Marciel as Fantine; Douglas Scheer as Thenardier; Cathy Foy-Mahi as Madame Thenardier; Shawna Masuda as Eponine; Martina Cacciaroni as Cosette; Layton Santos as Enjolras; Elitei Tatafu Jr. as Marius; Chelsea Lynne Michel as Young Cosette; Jackson Brians as Gavroche. Take a bow, all. Ensemble, too. And Phil Hidalgo conducted a nine-member orchestra — large for DHT — that captured the grand score with minimalist but marvelous fidelity. ...

With its theme of redemption and hope, the musical brings out the best from everyone. And tears, too — it's easy to get overwhelmed with tingling joy and heart-tugging sorrow. And, days later, you'll still cherish those "do you hear the people sing" anthems. ...

ITEMIZATIONS: Actor-comedian Stan Egi has moved to Los Angeles, where he's currently working on a film called "Ice Dreams" with Jerry Stiller (Ben's dad) and Shelley Long ("Cheers"). It's a tale about an ex-ice skater, played by Jessica Cauffiel ("Legally Blonde"), who coaches a teen struggling to make a living. Egi portrays Tony Chin, her boss.

While still here, Egi had a role in "Special Delivery," filmed here, playing undercover police officer Danny Wong, who escorts Brenda Song ("Suite Life of Zack and Cody") from China to Hawai'i. Lisa Eldestein ("House") also stars; it will air on Lifetime during the holidays. ...

Shannell Sarme, the first-ever Miss Lana'i, was crowned Saturday night at the Four Seasons Manele Bay resort. Miss Hawai'i 2000 Billie Takaki was host; among the judges, appropriately, was DJ Lanai. ...

BULLETIN BOARD: Sad to report that Momoyama Restaurant, at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani hotel, will shut down Nov. 19 after 38 years. Declining business, including a downturn of Japanese visitors, is the reason. The famed chicken karaage (deep-fried) will be missed. ...

The Society of Professional Journalists, Hawai'i chapter, will stage "Gridiron 2008: Predatory Pricing," at 8 p.m. Oct. 24 and 3 and 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at Diamond Head Theatre. That matinee is a new option. This is the show that assembles print and broadcast journalists, in noncompete mode, poking gentle fun at newsmakers good and bad over the past year. Christopher Obenchain is directing, Roslyn Catracchia is musical director, Katherine Jones is choreographer; producers are Keoki Kerr and Robbie Dingeman. And: Expect tourism expert Rex Johnson to be skewered — by Kerr. For ticket availability, call 550-8457 or go to www.honoluluboxoffice.com. ...

"Always ... Patsy Cline" offers three more extra shows tomorrow through Sunday at Manoa Valley Theatre. ...

And that's Show Biz. ...

Show Biz is published Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8055.