Honolulu Theatre for Youth

Youth and family-oriented drama and comedy, including original works, at several venues, with varying showtimes. Season tickets, $72 (eight plays), $36 (seniors and youths 3-18); mini-season tickets $42 (four plays), $21 (seniors and youths 3-18); single tickets, $11 adults, $5 seniors over 60 and youths 3-18; free for children under 2. 839-9885.

• "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day," a musical by Judith Viorst (book and lyrics) and music by Shelly Markham, Sept. 7, 14, 21 and Oct. 6 at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. at Leeward Community College Theatre. A children's book favorite comes to life. For keiki 4 and older. Directed by Mark Lutwak, with musical direction by Lina Jeong Doo.

• "Amazing Adventures of the Marvelous Monkey Kings," a comedy by Elizabeth Wong, Oct. 19 and 26 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., at Richardson Theatre, Ft. Shafter, and Nov. 2 and 9, at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., at Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College. The Monkey King, a common character in Chinese folk tales and operas, surfaces anew in a show including music, acrobatic dance, martial arts and dazzling costumes. For keiki 7 and older.

• "Theatrefest 2002," a collage of plays by young writers, Nov. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m., Tenney Theatre, St. Andrew's Cathedral. The Pacific Young Playwrights program has yielded an assortment of funny, entertaining works with both emotional and intellectual power. Works by Jennifer Gire, Lauren Hanley, Emily Lau and Robert Rath will be featured; directed by Kristi Lynn Johnson, Daniel A. Kelin II, Jamie Simpson and Tara Ziegler. For keiki 10 and older.

• "2002 Christmas Talk Story," a collection of holiday-themed tales and tunes by 18 local artists and writers, Nov. 30, Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 (8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays). Like Christmas presents, each story has a different flavor and spirit. Directed by Mark Lutwak, with musical direction by Ray Bumatai. Public performances, co-produced by Kumu Kahua, will feature a live band and stories and songs not in the shorter school performances. For keiki 6 and older. Admission slightly higher for public shows.

• "War," a drama by Dennis Foon, Feb. 1, 8 and 15 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., Tenney Theatre, St. Andrew's Cathedral. An uncompromising look at war and ways in which teen boys use warfare as a metaphor for all the activities in their lives, from athletics to grades, and in their relationships with girls. Directed by Tony Pisculli. For keiki 10 and older.

• "The Last Paving Stone," a drama by Y York, March 8, 15, and 22 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., at Leeward Community College Theatre. A comic fable that addresses the imaginary, yet possible, questions: What happens when there's no more open space? What happens if the entire Earth were paved? Henry Kapono is creating new music. Directed by Mark Lutwak. For keiki 7 and older.

• "Hawai'i Tales for Young People," based on stories by Kimo Armitage, April 26, May 3 and 10, at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Park. An interactive, expanded storytelling adventure involving children in different ways. Directed by Daniel A. Kelin II. For keiki 3 and older.

• "The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi," a play by Y York inspired by Kipling's "Rikki Tikki Tavi," April 26, May 3, 10 and 17 at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m., at McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Park. A familiar story, revived since its 1998 premiere, which explores themes of friendship and cooperation. Directed by Mark Lutwak. For keiki 4 and older.