Tip-Off
HTY schedules seven plays for season

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

The Honolulu Theatre for Youth's 2001-2002 season — its 47th, starting this fall — will include theatrical classics and new favorites with appeal to children of all ages.

A new version of "Beauty and the Beast," a hip-hop adaptation of Shakespeare's "Othello" and the premiere of "Musubi Man," the local take on the Gingerbread Man, will be among the fare.

Because HTY does not have a home to call its own, the theater group's seven productions will play in five venues.

The schedule:

• "Winnie-the-Pooh," Sept. 8,15, 22 and 29, 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., Leeward Community College Theatre. A dramatization of the stories by A.A. Milne, adapted by le ClanchÚ du Rand, with Pooh, Kanga and Roo, Eeyore and Piglet, augmented by songs. For ages 4 and up.

• "Beauty and the Beast," Oct. 13, 20 and 27, 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., Richardson Theatre, Ft. Shafter. A new version by Bret Fetzer, with the romance of the original and modern observations about double standards of appearance. For ages 7 and up.

• "Christmas Talk Story," Dec. 1, 8 and 15, 2:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., Tenney Theatre, St. Andrew's. A collection of holiday stories, celebrating the season, by local writers. Also featuring a range of Christmas songs. For ages 6 and up.

• "Othello," Feb. 9, 16 and 23, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., Tenney Theatre. An adaptation by Y York, of Shakespeare's classic tale of jealously and intrigue, embracing three rapping actors and a DJ with turntables. For ages 10 and up.

• "Wondrous Tales of Old Japan," March 2, 9,16 and 23, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, 2454 S. Beretania St. A play written and directed by David Furumoto, incorporating kabuki costumes, props and sets and staged in kabuki style; includes "The Story of Urashimataro," "Yuki Onna, the Snow Woman" and "Momotaro, the Peach Boy." For ages 7 and up.

• "Runny Noses, Tiny Tails (Still More Mixed Plate)," April 27, May 4, 11 and 18, McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Park. A collection of four original stories, derived through the HTY's Playwriting Hui, by Dance Aoki, Daniel A. Kelin II, Sean T.C. O'Malley and Susan Lee St. John. Featuring "Runny Nose Boy," "Da Bugga Like Eat," "No Tigers in Borneo," "The Frog Dance." For ages 4 and up.

• "Musubi Man," April 27, May 4 and 11, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., McCoy Pavilion. Lee Cataluna's adaptation of the book by Sandi Takayama, which was inspired by the classic Gingerbread Man children's favorite with a local flavor and twist.

Season tickets: $60, $45 for students 13 through 19, $30 for youths 3 to 12 and senior citizens; make-your-own-package season of four plays, $35, $26, $17.50.

Individual tickets: $10, $7.50 for students, $5 for youths and seniors.

Information: 839-9885.