STAR WATCH: Jonathan Von Brana, simply the best Elvis Presley impersonator anywhere, is among the sound- and look-alikers in the new "Stars in Concert Hawai'i" at the Waikiki Lau Yee Chai, now a converted showroom on the fifth floor of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza. Von Brana once fronted the "Blue Hawai'i" production at the Waikiki Beachcomber hotel; that show is pau. The latest is produced by John Stuart, Jack and Cha Thompson of Tihati Productions and George Correia.

You might recall Stuart's longstanding links with "Legends in Concert," in which Von Brana earlier starred in Waikiki. He also had been an Elvis kingpin in Las Vegas before performing here.

We'll soon review the newcomer, which showcases such acts as Elton John, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, The Blues Brothers, and, of course, Presley. Two shows are staged at 6 and 9 p.m., with dinner seatings from 4:30 and 7:45 p.m. daily except Saturdays. Call 923-1345. ...

WHEE, THE PEOPLE: Bert Sagum of the Society of Seven recently bought a home in Carlsbad, Calif., so he and the family occasionally will commute to the new digs from their Las Vegas base. ...

The Kahala Resort pretty much is mum about who's house-guesting ... till after the VIPs leave. Among those in and out in recent weeks: singer Lauryn Hill, actress Cameron Diaz, Hollywood power couple John Travolta and Kelly Preston, "Surf's Up" voicers Jon Heder and Mario Cantone, and producer Jason Geffen, rapper Dr. Dre, "Extreme Makeover" host Ty Pennington, talk-show host Montel Williams and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Troy Williamson. ...

Online bloggers are fueling the buzz on Kaua'i, where DreamWorks' "Tropic Thunder" — starring and directed by Ben Stiller — is in production. No word yet on when Tom Cruise arrives for his cameo, but Robert Downey Jr. is apparently ensconced at the Waipouli Beach Resort condos in Kapa'a and extras are being tapped regularly. Brandon Jackson plays a dude named Alpa Chino, which has prompted rumors that Al Pacino is part of the cast. Not so. But Owen Wilson is, along with Jack Black, who portrays a character dubbed Jeff "Fats" Portnoy, prompting local attorney Jeff Portnoy's complaint: "Let them know the real Jeff Portnoy wants to meet the fake one. Or else they will hear from my agent." ...

NAMES 'N' FACES: Jo Pruden, veteran community-theater actress and box-office manager of Army Community Theatre, will be this year's Pierre Bowman Lifetime Achievement honoree. The ceremonies are set for July 23 at the Ko'olau Golf Club's ballroom and reservations are being accepted through Diamond Head Theatre at 733-0277, ext. 306. ...

DATES TO CIRCLE: Stephen Stills performs at 8 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Hawai'i Theatre; tickets ($45 and $35) go on sale tomorrow at the box office, 528-0506 or www.hawaiitheatre.com ...

Eric Gilliom (of the Barefoot Natives) and his wife dined at Tiki's Grill & Bar recently. He and Willie K. wowed 'em at the Natives' Barefoot Bash. ...

ITEMIZATIONS: The Kahoano Trio, which made its debut the other night at the 81st Annual American School House Convention's president's awards ceremony at the Ala Moana Hotel, apparently sounds like a winner. Led by Kamuela Kahoano (who, with brother Ikaika usually does rock as Green Light Go), the Kahoano Trio offers sweet harmonies and exhilarating falsetto, with Kamuela joined by Jeff Au Hoy and Brandon Souza. Margaret Kamahele, widow of the beloved Sonny Kamahele, heard the trio do "Kalama Ula" and said, "Sonny would be in tears." ...

Reason Pali Ka'aihue (leader of the award-winning Pali group) was hobbling on crutches at the recent Na Hoku Hanohano Awards at the Hawai'i Convention Center: back surgery. He also just returned from a performing trip in Japan. ...

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.