Go ahead. Make comparisons to that other show.

And if audiences want to make "A Hawaiian Homeless Companion" even slightly as successful as its inspiration, no one's going to protest, because unlike the national program, this one's for a good cause.

"A Hawaiian Homeless Companion," a variety show that yes, draws inspiration in part from Garrison Keillor's hit radio show "A Prairie Home Companion" (though "Homeless" producers never say the name of that other show), is Angel Network Charities' way of raising a few bucks for homeless advocacy work while entertaining the public.

Angel Network Charities works primarily in East O'ahu, where the needy are often overlooked because of the area's considerable affluence, said Christiane Lucas, vice president of the charity's board. "A lot of people tell me, 'Everyone's rich over there. What do they need you for?' But the reality is that there are homeless people living here, too — they're on our beaches and in our mountains."

Angel Network operates East O'ahu's only food bank and provides a safe haven, including laundry, shower and telephone facilities, for the area's homeless. All the proceeds from the production of "A Hawaiian Homeless Companion" will benefit the charity. Lucas said she is hoping to raise at least $4,800 on ticket and concession sales for the one-night-only show.

It's a show that's already upstaging the 2005 production, the inaugural event that didn't sell as well as the Angel Network Charities crew had hoped. This time, though, with a cast of quirky characters that includes musician and author Jon Osorio, comedian Billy Sage and slam poet champion Jamaica Osorio, with music by Hamajang (formerly known as Friends of the Bride) and the Honolulu Men's Chorus, Lucas said she's hopeful they'll meet their goal — and keep the audience in stitches.

"We're hoping to bring in that folksy, quirky thing that that NPR show is famous for," said Lucas, who is the show's creator, producer and director. "We want to get people to think about the issues regarding the homeless in Hawai'i in a way that's funny."