Evangeline Lilly shops for a luxo engagement sparkler

BACKSTAGE BITS: John Bryan, who normally portrays Stewpot in "South Pacific," had four hours' notice to replace Larry Bialock in the role of Luther Billis after Bialock had to leave Friday on an emergency trek to Seattle. Cast member Christy Joy Matsushige reviewed dialogue with Bryan, and Allan Lau filled in as Stewpot. The applause was hearty and approving, signaling a commendable fix. ...

And because the musical has been held over at Windward Community College's Paliku Theatre through Nov. 6, there will be a pit stop by director Ron Bright, who has to fill in for son Clarke Bright, the reigning conductor. Clarke had a previous engagement on Nov. 5. So the cast is eager to have the elder Bright at the baton. ...

Parlez-vous francais? Jodi Leong does (she minored in French in college); consequently, she's been the French consultant for "South Pacific." ...

Random notes: "Entertainment Tonight" has mentioned that "Lost" star Evangeline Lilly, betrothed to Dominic Monaghan, apparently shopped for a rock in the $50,000 category on Rodeo Drive. You didn't expect her to flash it on the ABC series, did you? ...

To those who've asked, yes, chef Roy Yamaguchi is the father of Hoku Keaonani Hulihee; the mother is Carolyn Hulihee. Dad was in Thailand when the little girl arrived several weeks ago. ...

Natascha Badmann, 2005 Ford Ironman World Championship six-time winner, took a breather at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, but also managed a spin on her bike with good friend Dieter Seeger, g.m. of the Big Island resort. ...

Isle actor Johnny Imaikalani Pastor has been hired by Kathryn Crosby, Bing's widow, to teach her "Sweet Leilani" for a December show, "My Life With Bing," at the Regency in New York City. When in California, Crosby (who lives in Nevada) stays at the estate of Bob Hope's widow, Dolores, where Pastor wound up teaching Kathryn the Oscar-winning tune. Pastor, who will be in New York, has an invite to the high-visibility show attracting Broadway's best, so it's a neat orchid lei for the 'Ewa localite. ...

Names 'n' faces: Auntie Genoa Keawe marks her 87th birthday on Halloween, but the musical celebration starts Sunday, when Harry B. Soria Jr. pays tribute to the living treasure on his Territorial Airwaves show from 5 to 6 p.m. on Hawaiian 105 KINE-FM. ...

Cesar Millan, host of the National Geographic Channel's "The Dog Whisperer" series, had dinner with a friend at L'Uraku a few nights back. No dogs were in the party. ...

There's a local link in the cast of "A Chorus Line," now performing at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Alicia Albright, who plays Vicki, was born in Hawai'i, where her parents live. ...

Keahi Conjugacion launched the new Jazz Minds Art and Cafe, at 1661 Kapi'olani Blvd. last Friday, and Azure McCall, DeShannon Higa, Rolando Sanchez and Chris Vandercook took to the stage. ...

dATES TO CIRCLE: Temari's 23rd Trash & Treasure fund-raiser will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i. As usual, Temari members will get priority entry, from 8 a.m. ...

The Rotary Club of Honolulu's Service Above Self gala, from 5:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at Sheraton Waikiki's Hawai'i Ballroom, will posthumously honor dedicated citizens, Rod McPhee (former Punahou School president and headmaster) and Martin Denny (the exotica musicmaker). Tickets are $150 per person, with corporate tables ($10,000; $5,000; $3,000; $1,500) also available. Call 922-5526. ...

Reminder: Tickets to The Eagles' fourth show, at 8 p.m. Dec. 3, go on sale Saturday at the Blaisdell Arena box office and Ticketmaster sites. ...

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.