By Staff Reports
(Honolulu)– Honolulu Theatre for Youth proudly unveils its 2015-16 season, themed “An Ocean of Adventure” in a nod to both storylines and the limitless depths (and heights) of imagination that HTY seeks to inspire. Six locally-authored premieres—all original shows—and a full slate of educational programs will mark HTY’s 61st season, which kicks off on August 10th.
Under the guidance of Artistic Director Eric Johnson, who will celebrate his 10th year at the artistic helm of HTY, the season bows in August with Anime Alice and Her Adventures in Wonderland, a modern mash-up of the Lewis Carroll classic with a Japanese flair in honor of the story’s 150th anniversary. In the fall HTY dives deep with collaborator Bishop Museum for Duke, the story of Hawaii’s beloved Duke Kahanamoku. The holidays are host to HTY’s original Christmas-themed romp, Rudolf’s Reindeer Games; then the New Year kicks off with Lee Cataluna’s Mud Pies and Magic, exploring how generations “play” together. Budding in the spring, Annie Cusick Woods’s The Tiny Tree is a beautiful, age-appropriate presentation for our tiniest patrons. The season wraps with the sweeping, surging H2O: The Story of Water and Hawaii, an ambitious musical that explores the cultural, historical, environmental and physical properties of water through song, humor and interactive story telling.
From last season’s hit show, “GRINDS: THE STORY OF FOOD IN HAWAII.”
Season tickets for the entire 6-show season are $100 for adults (age 19-59), $55 for youth (18 and under) and $80 for seniors (60+), and are on sale now. Single tickets are $20, $10 and $15, respectively. All shows will be staged at Tenney Theatre, The Cathedral of St. Andrew, where HTY has performed in residence for 10 years. For more information, to receive a season brochure, order tickets to a show or learn more about HTY’s educational programming call HTY at 839-9885. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.htyweb.org.
Honolulu Theatre for Youth is Hawaii’s non-profit professional theatre company providing theatre and drama education programs that make a difference in the lives of Hawaii’s young people and families. Founded in 1955, HTY is recognized the world over as one of America’s most honored theatres.
Tenney Theatre, The Cathedral of St. Andrew
HONOLULU THEATRE FOR YOUTH 61st SEASON
AUGUST 2015 – MAY 2016
All shows performed at Tenney Theatre, The Cathedral of St. Andrew
Anime Alice and Her Adventures in Wonderland
by Alvin Chan based on the novel by Lewis Carroll
- Opening Friday, Aug. 14 at 7:00 p.m., then plays Saturdays, Aug. 15, 22, 29, Sept. 5, 12 & 19 at 4:30 p.m.
- Sensory-Friendly/American Sign Language-interpreted, August 29 at 2:00 p.m.
- Onstage Workshop, Aug. 22 at 2:30 p.m.
- Recommended for ages 5+
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the publication of Alice in Wonderland, HTY will bring a playful anime-inspired aesthetic to this children’s classic while also incorporating traditional Japanese theatre techniques. Created by the award-winning team who brought us Anime Momotaro, A Korean Cinderella and A Bollywood Robin Hood, this production promises a magical theatrical landscape, live music and an original staging of one of the most popular children’s stories ever told.
Duke
by Moses Goods
- Opening Friday, Oct. 16 at 7:00 p.m., then plays Saturdays, Oct. 17, 24, 31, Nov. 7 & 14 at 4:30 p.m.
- American Sign Language-interpreted, Nov. 7 at 2:00 p.m.
- Onstage Workshop, Oct. 24 at 2:30 p.m.
- Recommended for ages 8+
Hawaii’s greatest athlete, the grandfather of modern surfing, a thirteen term sheriff of Honolulu and a Hollywood actor, Duke Kahanamoku is unquestionably one of the most important and beloved figures in Hawaiian history. HTY favorite Moses Goods creates an unforgettable portrayal of an extraordinary life. As part of our ongoing collaboration with the Bishop Museum this piece celebrates Hawaii’s remarkable history and our unique contributions to the world.
Rudolf’s Reindeer Games
by the HTY Company
- Opening Friday, Nov. 27 at 7:00 p.m., then plays Saturdays, Nov. 28, Dec. 5, & 12 at 4:30 p.m.
- Sensory-Friendly/American Sign Language-interpreted, Dec. 12 at 2:00 p.m.
- Onstage Workshop, Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m.
- Recommended for ages 5+
In true HTY style we bring in the holidays with a fun, interactive comedy extravaganza built in collaboration with some of Honolulu’s best improvisers. Packed with sing-a-longs, games,
original writing and more than a few surprises, this is truly the show to put your family in the holiday spirit and have you ho, ho, ho-ing with laughter.
2016
Mud Pies and Magic
by Lee Cataluna
- Opening Friday, Jan. 15 at 7:00 p.m., then plays Saturdays, Jan. 16, 23, 30 & Feb. 6 at 4:30 p.m.
- Sensory-Friendly/American Sign Language-interpreted, Jan. 30 at 2:00 p.m.
- Onstage Workshop, Jan. 23 at 2:30 p.m.
- Recommended for ages 5+
Can a Great-Grandmother teach her germ phobic Great-Granddaughter the joys of making mud pies? What chance does a hyper-active troublemaker have of getting his older uncle out of the recliner? These two short plays by Lee Cataluna bring humor and insight, exploring how generations “play” together and what they may learn from each other when they do.
The Tiny Tree
by Annie Cusick Wood
- Saturdays, Feb. 20, 27 & Mar. 5 at 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
- American Sign Language-interpreted, Sat., Feb. 27 at 11:30 a.m.
- Recommended for ages 3+
- NOTE: no Onstage Workshop for this show. All performances are considered “sensory-friendly.”
Created for our youngest audiences by one of our most daring and innovative theatre artist this show explores what tiny trees and tiny children have in common. This short, interactive experience is designed specifically to engage young people and spark their curiosity about the world around them. How can we create the right environment for this tiny tree to flourish?
H2O: The Story of Water and Hawaii
By the HTY Company
- Opening Friday, Apr. 8 at 7:00 p.m., then plays Saturdays, Apr. 9, 16, 23, 30 & May 7 at 4:30 p.m.
- Sensory-Friendly/American Sign Language-interpreted, Apr. 23 at 2:00 p.m.
- Onstage Workshop, Apr. 16 at 2:30 p.m.
- Recommended for ages 5+
We live surrounded by water. Our bodies are made primarily of water. We drink it, play in it, depend on it, but how many of us really understand the stories and the science behind this important substance? Created by the HTY Company this age appropriate musical explores the cultural, historical, environmental and physical properties of water through song, humor and interactive story telling.