HONOLULU: Honolulu Theatre for Youth has announced its 2019-20 season of travel, titled “Let’s Go!”
“We hope hundreds of families will join HTY for our 65th season,” said artistic director Eric Johnson in a statement. “For the price of one ticket in New York a local family can enjoy an entire season of professional theatre right here at home. We believe that the rich history, cultures, talent, and stories in Hawaii can open the imagination to the wonders of the world and light a spark of curiosity that can last a lifetime.”
Kicking off the season will be A Korean Cinderella (Aug. 16-Sept. 14) by Alvin Chan. The take on a popular Korean romance tale (“Kongji and Patzzi”) mixes traditional drumming and mask with modern K-pop.
Next up is Annie Cusick Wood’s Shhhhh (Oct. 12-19). Recommended for ages 3 and up, the play explores the importance of listening to others and speaking up for oneself.
Following will be In the Year of the Boar & Jackie Robinson (Nov. 1-23), adapted for stage by Mark Branner from Bette Bao Lord, about a young girl’s move from China to the United States in 1947.
Playing next will be Love by Finegan Kruckemeyer. The play revolves around a young boy helping his Tasmanian town pack their most important possessions in the face of an oncoming storm.
Continuing the season will be the world premiere of Adam Larsen’s Rainbow (Jan. 17-Feb. 8, 2020), exploring the Hawaiian symbol of the rainbow.
Next will be the world premiere of Reiko Ho’s The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories (Feb. 23-March 7), a showcase of traditional Okinawan fables.
The season will finish with the world premiere of Ke Kula Keiki Ali’i / The Royal School (April 17-May 9) by Lee Cataluna and Moses Goods. The musical centers around the historic “Royal School” that was founded in 1839 to educate children of Hawaiian royalty.
Founded in 1955, Honolulu Theatre for Youth provides theatre and drama education programs for young people.
