Don't be surprised if you see Loretta Ables Sayre around 'n' about in the days ahead; she's earned a week's vacation from her Tony-nominated Bloody Mary role in "South Pacific," and she's expecting to maintain a low profile, mostly staying home with hubby David Sayre and simply enjoying the time off from her eight-shows-a-week schedule at the Vivien Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center. ...

Her first-round contract with the Tony Award-winning musical is through January, but she's likely to re-ink and remain in the cast, if she already hasn't done that. That's good for Islanders who have tickets in 2009 to see her — she will be back in action. ...

There's another localite doing well in another theatrical realm: Quinn Kelsey, in the world of opera. Kelsey was doing "La Boheme" with the San Francisco Opera in recent weeks, and HMSA Island Scene writer Craig DeSilva saw him and went backstage to congratulate him. "He played one of the bohemians, painter Marcello in 'La Boheme,' and received one of the biggest applauses," said DeSilva. ...

AND SPEAKING OF OPERA: KHON2's Joe Moore, a scholar of Mozart, correctly notes that while actor Jason Scott Lee, no stranger to the stage or screen, will make his operatic debut as Pasha in Hawaii Opera Theatre's production of Mozart's "Abduction from the Seraglio" in the 2009 season, it's a non-singing role for Lee. ...

SHOW BREEZES: "Hapa Holidays at the Kahala" will bring Hapa's Barry Flanagan and Nathan Aweau to the Kahala Hotel & Resort for a performance from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 19 at The Veranda. Seating begins at 5:30 p.m. and space is limited, so plan ahead. A $30 tariff (includes one drink, plus validated parking) will prevail. Call 739-8760. ...

Augie T. returns to the Makaha Resort for a show at 8 p.m. Dec. 12. He'll feature stand-ups Jose Dynamite and Timmy Mattos. Pre-sale tickets are $10 at Stylistic Clothing in Wai'anae and Makaha Fashion Boutique at the old Coronet store. Tickets at the door are $12. Call 391-5673. ...

The Honolulu Boy Choir, one of Hawai'i's cherished faves, will give its annual holiday concert, "The Merriest Hawaiian Christmas," at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at Central Union Church, 1660 S. Beretania St. Donations will be accepted. ...

WHEE, THE PEOPLE: Look for Ku'uipo Kumukahi, Holunape and Melveen Leed to entertain at Lunalilo Home's 174th anniversary lu'au celebration of William Charles Lunalilo's birthday, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Hawai'i Kai facility, 501 Kekauluohi St., off Lunalilo Home Road. You can sit in to kau kau, or have takeout from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tickets: $50, including a commemorative T-shirt. Call Dawn Kuoha at 395-1000 for reservations by Jan. 16. Proceeds will support the home's programs, buy furnishings and equipment. ...

And the aforementioned Leed, plus Noelani Kanoho Mahoe, the "New" Tradewinds, Jonathan Sypert, and the Ron Miyashiro Singers have joined Keith and Carmen Haugen's annual "Peace On Earth" Christmas concert lineup, Dec. 17 at the Kapi'olani Park Bandstand. They join Dennis and David Kamakahi, the Thursday Night Band and The Carmen Haugen Quartet in what should be a peacefully grand evening under the stars, and yes, it's free. ...

HITHER 'N' YON: With his mission accomplished — that is, to launch the Hawai'i Regional Cuisine at the Hualalai Grille at the Hualalai Resort on the Big Island — chef Alan Wong of Alan Wong's Restaurant and the Pineapple Room is turning over the kitchen to James Ebreo as chef de cuisine at the Grille. "We invested a lot of time in training with the staff, in and out of the operation, from orientation to farm tours and travel," said Wong in a press release. The farm-to-table concept will be maintained to provide an exceptional dining experience. ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Lahaina has joined forces with the " 'Ulalena" production at the nearby Maui Theatre to support the Maui Food Bank through Dec. 31. Kama'aina diners who bring six cans of food may indulge in a $79.95 package that includes a sizzling three-course dinner (salad, entree, dessert) at Ruth's Chris, then hop on over to see the Valley Island's best theatrical production. It's a win-win for the restaurant and the theater — and a $50 savings for consumers. Nice way to celebrate the holidays, with top-tier food and show, and still save money. Call 808-661-9914 for reservations. ...

Restaurateur Randy Schoch flew in from Scottsdale to launch his newest Island restaurant, Romano's Macaroni Grill at Queen's Marketplace at Waikoloa Beach Resort last week. The family-friendly Tuscan-inspired Italian menu should be a hit for residents and visitors alike, just like the Ala Moana Center anchor. ...

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.