Dr. Seuss revival kicks off theater season

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

•	Honolulu Theatre for Youth 2003-2004 season Single tickets: $12 adults, $6 youths 18 and younger and seniors over 60 (except for "Green Eggs and Ham" and "Christmas Talk Story," which will have higher prices — $12-$24 for adults, $6-12 for children); free for keiki 2 and under, but tickets required Season tickets: $72 adults, $36 for youths Reservations: 839-9885

"Henry Akina (HOT general and artistic director) and I have been talking for two years to do something together; and since they have a great educational program, we decided it was time we connected," said Mark Lutwak, HTY artistic director.

With the orchestra also aboard, HTY decided to think big, so the production will be expanded somewhat since it is booked in the Hawai'i Theatre, the first residency there for HTY.

Singers and musicians will enhance Dr. Seuss' "Green Eggs and Spam" and "Gertrude McFuzz," the opening production, set for 1:30 and 4:30 Sept. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 for the public. Weekday shows will be staged for school audiences bussed to the site.

The Seuss (the late author's real name was Theodor Seuss Geisel) production is one of seven in the HTY season, which this year will unfold in such venues as Leeward Community College Theatre, Paliku Theatre at Windward Community College, Tenney Theatre at St. Andrew's Cathedral and McCoy Pavilion at Ala Moana Park. Negotiations still are under way, so specific play dates and sites are not complete.

HTY is collaborating again with Kumu Kahua Theatre in presenting "Christmas Talk Story 2003."

To further expand its horizons and widen the show-going experience for its youth-oriented family audiences, HTY has assembled a revisit to the Red Riding Hood folk tale from a new perspective, a world premiere of Korean folk tales as interpreted by novelist Nora Okja Keller, and a modern take by localite Yokanaan Kearns on Homer's Greek classic "The Iliad."

The season at a glance; all shows directed by Mark Lutwak, except where noted.

• Sept. 6 to 21
• Hawai'i Theatre
• A production based on the Dr. Seuss favorite, with music by Robert Kapilow. Sam I Am convinces a grouchy adult that he does, indeed, like green eggs and ham, the lesson being it's always good to sample new things. Gertrude also teaches youngsters to be happy with who they are. The new wrinkle: live voices, live music, large theater. For youngsters 4 and older.

• October
• A local production by Nora Okja Keller based on Korean tales and coinciding with the ongoing 100th anniversary of Korean immigration to Hawai'i. Four folk tales are linked to characters such as the Tiger, the Ox, the Toad, and reflect morals about the perils of laziness, the wisdom of listening to mom and the folly of wishing for more than you can handle. A landmark cultural endeavor for HTY, since Dr. Chan Park, one of South Korea's top p'ansori (musical storytelling) practitioners, will advise the local company. For youngsters 7 and older.

• November and December
• A mixed plate, reflecting a myriad of local voices. It continues HTY's holiday tradition of sharing a dozen or so tales, told from a child's perspective, with collaborative input from Kumu Kahua. A band will perform onstage for the public performances. For youngsters 6 and older.

• February
• A comedy by Canadian playwright Dennis Foon, a revival of a 1999 production about prejudice and bullying and a foreign boy who emigrates from "Homeland." The production includes an ingenious conceit — the boy and his mom speak English, while other characters communicate in gibberish, enabling the viewers to identify with the "new kid" as he struggles to maintain an identity while trying to learn a new culture and fit in. Directed by Harry Wong III. For youngsters 7 and older.

• March
• An adaptation by Yokanaan Kearns of Homer's "The Iliad," putting a contemporary spin on a timeless story on the core issues of macho behavior among young men, gender relations, violence, maturity and fate. With fight choreography by Tony Pisculli, blended with comedy and intense drama. For youngsters 10 and older.

• April and May 2004
• A deconstruction by Russell Davis of the original classic, illustrating the strength of the mother-daughter relationship, while imbued with darker and more sophisticated meaning. Red Hiding Hood journeys to Grandma's, but her mother shadows her, and the woodcutter — mom in disguise — saves the day. For youngsters 5 and up.

• April and May 2004
• Adapted and directed by Daniel A. Kelin II, this groundbreaking "transitional theater" for preschoolers taps folk tales from the Pacific, blending traditional storytelling and expansive dramatic techniques with a variety of activities within the play to nudge and enhance appreciation of theater and literary skills. For youngsters 3 and up.