Honolulu Theatre for Youth sets new schedule
Advertiser Staff
Honolulu Theatre for Youth announced its 2009-2010 season today, its 55th consecutive season and fifth at the historic Tenney Theatre on the grounds of St. Andrew’s Cathedral in downtown Honolulu.
Evolving from last year’s theme of expanding the imagination, Artistic Director Eric Johnson has created a “Passport to Creativity,” a season of six plays and musicals by esteemed local and national playwrights that are designed to tickle the creative impulse and expand the minds of young and old.
This season HTY collaborates with Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre and Hawaii Opera Theatre on two of its productions.
HTY’s Onstage Series also returns with select shows in the 2009-2010 season. The workshops give kids a chance to peek backstage, try out a bit of performing and interact with members of the HTY creative team. Parents are invited to watch the workshop from the house. Cost is $10 per workshop (50 percent off for season ticket holders).
Season tickets offer a 25 percent discount over single tickets. A season ticket is $60 for adults, and $30 for youth (18 and under), students and seniors (over 60); on sale now. Single tickets are $16 and $8, respectively. Active duty military receive one free youth ticket with the purchase of each adult ticket. For more information or to order tickets, call HTY at 839-9885. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.htyweb.org.
The 2009-2010 lineup:
adapted from story by Hans Christian Andersen
by John Urquhart, Rita Grossberg and Yellow Brick Road Shows
Opening 7:30 p.m., Aug. 28.
Saturdays, Aug. 29, Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 & Oct. 3, 4:30 p.m.
American Sign Language-interpreted performance: Oct. 3, 4:30 p.m.
Onstage Workshop: Sept. 26, 2:30 p.m.
Synopsis: The Emperor is never satisfied. He demands “more, more, MORE” of everything! Only the Nightingale, a plain, yet wondrous little bird, has the power to save the Emperor. But can his loyal servant and the people of China, convince the Emperor to listen in time? Based on the story by Hans Christian Anderson. Costumes and visionary choreography by Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director, Cheryl Flaharty.
Recommended for ages 4 and up.
A Surprising History of the United States by James B. McCarthy
Opening 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23
Saturdays, Oct. 24, Nov. 7 & 14, 1:30 & 4:30 p.m.
American Sign Language-interpreted performance: Nov. 14, 2:30 p.m.
Synopsis: Join award-winning storyteller/musician James B. McCarthy for a walk through our country’s vast history, a celebration of the diversity of the cultures, geography, and music that have shaped our nation. McCarthy weaves together a collection of songs and stories that range from the pre-Colombian era to the present day, from the deep South to the South Pacific. Using wit, humor and a few old fashioned yarns, McCarthy reminds us why history has always been best preserved in song and story.
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
words and music by Gian-Carlo Menotti
Opening 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4
Saturdays, Dec. 5 & 12, 4:30 p.m. and Dec. 19 at 1:30 & 4:30 p.m.
American Sign Language-interpreted performance: Dec. 19, 4:30 p.m.
Onstage Workshop: Dec. 12, 2:30 p.m.
Synopsis: One of the most popular children’s operas, this one-hour classic is sure to touch old and young alike. Amahl’s mother is worried about her son, a shepherd with an extremely active imagination. When Amahl tells her three kings have arrived at their humble peasant dwelling, she does not believe him, until Melchior, Balthazar and Kaspar walk through the door.
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
by Lee A. Tonouchi
Opening 7:30 p.m., Feb. 5
Saturdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 & March 6, 4:30 p.m.
American Sign Language-interpreted performance: March 6, 4:30 p.m.
Onstage Workshop: Feb. 20, 2:30 p.m.
Synopsis: Set on Maui in the late 1930s, this world premiere production is inspired by the true story of swimming coach Soichi Sakamoto and his Three Year Swim Club. A group of ordinary high school students, armed only with willpower, Sakamoto’s eccentric training techniques and the ambitious motto “Olympics First, Olympics Always” begin their training in plantation irrigation ditches and end up astonishing themselves and the world.
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
created by Daniel A. Kelin, II
Opening 11:30 a.m. March 13, 11:30 a.m.
Saturdays, March 13, 20 & 27, 9:30 & 11:30 a.m.
American Sign Language-interpreted performance: March 27, 11:30 a.m.
Synopsis: Louie needs a friend. Keiko loves to make friends. When Louie and Keiko find each other, they also discover the ups and downs, the fun and trouble of friendship. Created especially for the youngest audiences by HTY's Director of Drama Education this interactive play uses humor, movement and participation to engage young audiences directly in the performance.
Recommended for ages 3 and up.
by Rudyard Kipling, adapted by Eric Johnson and the HTY Ensemble
Opening: 7:30 p.m. April 9
Saturdays, April 10, 17, 24, May 1 & 8, 4:30 p.m.
American Sign Language-interpreted performance: May 8, 4:30 p.m.
Onstage Workshop: May 1, 2:30 p.m.
Synopsis: How did the camel get his hump? How did the elephant get her trunk? For more than a hundred years children have delighted in Rudyard Kipling's fantastical answers to life's simple questions. These short fables from the author of The Jungle Book teach valuable lessons through imagination, adventure and humor. Specifically created for the HTY acting ensemble, this production is designed to engage the mind and tickle the funny bone as Kipling's unforgettable characters transform into the animals we know today.
Recommended for ages 4 and up.
