Lahaina, Hawaii (WiredPRNews.com)
Rob Schneider, the iconic comedy superstar who starred and directed the film “Big Stan,” and whose roles as “Duece Bigalow” and “Hot Chick” have made him one of the most recognizable faces in the world, graced the stage of The Maui Theatre in Lahaina last Saturday night to a packed audience. Luminaries such as Ryan Kavanugh, CEO of Relativity Media, were in attendance, and the audience on Maui that consisted of both local residents and tourists came together to support Schneider’s first ever performance in Hawaii. Schneider promoted the appearance on “Lopez Tonight,” the George Lopez talk show that airs on TBS.
Schneider also made several brief appearances to support the series by visiting sponsors of the monthly concert show. Kihei’s popular hotspot “Life’s A Beach” found Schneider stepping up to the stage to perform with a local band, followed by an autograph signing at Diamond Resorts International’s Kaanapali Beach Club. Following the concert, Schneider delighted fans with an appearance at Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, the official after party of The Maui Celebrity Series.
William Shatner, Roseanne Barr, Tom Arnold, Paul Rodriguez, Nick Swardson, David Spade, Mos Def, and Tom Green appeared before Schneider. Show creator Brian Evans, who opens for the likes of Jay Leno and Joan Rivers in Las Vegas, appears as the opening act for the stars. Evans also hired local Maui talent to open for the shows. Musical group ARISE and comedian Sunny Dennis appeared as special guests during the Rob Schneider concert appearance.
“Rob was undoubtedly my favorite star to appear,” says Evans. “He brought his mom, and she was a delight to have around. She also kept Rob on his best behavior,” laughs Evans.
Next up for The Maui Celebrity Series is Hal Sparks from the hit show “Queer As Folk,” and who recently had his own Showtime stand-up comedy show. Sparks will perform an evening of stand-up comedy. “I’ve known Hal for years,” says Evans. “He’s had a profound impact on the way I do things today and is one of the most brilliant minds I know.”
On December 30th, Evans brings to Maui comedian Tom Arnold with a special guest appearance by “Cheech and Chong” star Cheech Marin. 14 year old comedian Nermin Zajic will also make an appearance after overwhelming response to his last appearance with Tom Arnold earlier this year. “Nermin brought the house down, and Tom Arnold loved him. Tom’s appearance was so hilarious that I’d been inundated with requests to bring him back.” Actor Shawn Hatosy (“Alpha Dog”, “In & Out”) will also make a special appearance at the concert.
The Maui Celebrity Series is currently being developed to become a monthly concert series on a major cable network. “It’s going to be a sort of Maui Unplugged” show, definitely not a reality show that seeks to make the island look ridiculous. This show will be focused on the show, and the brilliant people of Maui who make it all happen,” says Evans.
Evans is working on his own major label debut, which will feature a duet with Kelly Osbourne and a track written by Ahmet Zappa. Evans penned nine of the fourteen songs to be featured on the new CD. Evans is also co-creator of “Horrorscope,” a story developed with Zappa, currently in development.
For more information about The Maui Celebrity Series visit www.themauicelebrityseries.com. Tickets may be purchased for any show at Ticketmaster.com, or by calling the theatre at (808) 856-7973. The series is also featured in the seat pocket of every commercial airline in the world, in the magazine SkyMall.
The Maui Celebrity Series is sponsored by Trilogy Excursions, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Haui’s Life’s A Beach (in Kihei, Hawaii), and is brought to you by Diamond Resorts International. The Maui Celebrity Series is produced by Brian Evans, Andrew Biltz, and Arman Zajic.
PICTURED: Rob Schneider and “Life’s A Beach” owner Howard Grunes pose for a photo in front of the nightspot, located in Kihei, Hawaii. Last month, comedian Tom Green visited the restaurant and bar following his Maui Celebrity Series appearance.
