THE LOCAL ANGLE: Seen the "Curious George" trailer yet at your favorite cinema? It's the first peek at local boy Jack Johnson's original music for the animated feature due in February. Because the beloved monkey of the title does not speak, Johnson is sort of his voice. It's an artistic challenge: Johnson has to progress the storyline through his lyrics, which must have kid-friendly appeal. Will Ferrell voices the Man in the Yellow Hat. For an excerpt of one of Johnson's tunes, go to www.curiousgeorgemovie.com. ...

Darin Brooks, a 2002 graduate of Kaiser High School, is playing Max Brady, the latest lothario, on NBC's daytime soap "Days of Our Lives." He's been on air since July and is stirring young hearts as the stock-car driver and younger brother of Frankie (Billy Warlock). Now living in Los Angeles, he loves surfing but says California waters "are dirty and cold; I'm spoiled, so I've surfed minimally out here." ...

Devan Rosen, an assistant professor of speech at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, was a consultant for "Numb3rs," the hit CBS series. His work on an emerging theory of group dynamics called "Flock Therapy" caught the eyes, or ears, of the show creators, and his concepts from the theory were transferred into dialogue for the episode that aired last Friday. ...

DATELINE VEGAS: Liz Damon, former Orient Express singer who has a day job in Las Vegas, is moving from the shuttered Westward Ho to become casino hostess at the Stardust. ...

Dwight Martin has now logged 25 years as Manoa Valley Theatre producer, and the MVT 'ohana surprised him at a dinner Nov. 3. Longtime friend Karen Bumatai was the ploy, inviting him to what he expected to be a quiet night out. Supporters, 50 strong, cheered him. ...

The Society of Seven (featuring Lani Misalucha) has been on the move. While still at Bally's in Las Vegas (through Jan. 1), the group just sold out a weekend Reno gig at the Silver Legacy, and will be doing more traveling, should you want to coordinate your own Mainland plans. On Dec. 3, the Tony Ruivivar-led group will be at the Hollywood Palladium in L.A., and on Dec. 17 at Caesars Palace Atlantic City. "We miss Hawai'i," said band member Hoku Low. The SOS supported Dick Jensen when he earned a star on the Vegas Walk of Fame recently. ...

FINALLY: The Jingle Bell Run, a holiday tradition for years, is no more. The Advertiser was a sponsor and Special Olympics the last beneficiary, but the event has been mothballed. ...

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.