A thoughtful look at the subjects of normalcy, family, language, friendship and what it means to be a human being might not seem like the stuff for family-friendly theater, but the Honolulu Theatre for Youth's multimedia production of "The Music of Dolphins" promises to be just that.

The play — making its world premiere in Honolulu — opens tonight at Tenney Theatre at St. Andrew's Cathedral, and will be performed every Saturday through February.

Adapted from Newbery Award-winning author Karen Hesse's lyrical children's novel, "The Music of Dolphins" centers on the story of a young girl named Mila who lives on a small island. Her only companions are a pod of dolphins, and they treat Mila as one of their own. Eventually discovered and rescued, Mila is reintroduced to human society. She learns to speak as humans do, and along the way she discovers love and friendship.

There are harder lessons to be learned too, such as about conforming to societal norms, betrayal, and how to be true to oneself. All the while, however, Mila's past with the dolphins becomes more and more distant. Mila must at last choose between either remaining with her rescuers or returning to the dolphins.

The play is directed by Eric Johnson, a fan of Hesse's novel. "This novel is one of my all-time favorites, by one of my all-time favorite writers," he said.

Johnson also approves of the adaptation written by veteran playwright Tanya Palmer. "(She) has done an excellent job bringing the book to the stage," he said.

The adaptation will also feature songs, dance numbers and video to help tell Mila's story.

The cast is headed by HTY company veterans Nina Buck (Mila), Maile Holck (Dr. Beck), and Junior Tesoro (in dual roles as Justin and Sam), and be sure to look out for video cameos by former KGMB9 News anchor Kim Gennaula and KGMB9 weatherman Guy Hagi.

It all promises to be a good time for the whole family, and everyone is invited to dive in and swim along with Mila and her friends for a while.