HONOLULU – “Filipino Folktales & Fables,” a celebration of one of Hawaii’s largest and most important communities, kicked off Hawaii Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s 64th season, “Our Stories.”
Traditional songs and dances weave together enchanting tales from the Philippines. The professional cast portrays colorful characters including a star fairy, the moon, a giant, some angry crabs, and the four Juans.
Written and directed by long time HTY company member, Alvin Chan, the production takes audience members on an inspiring journey into the many rich cultures of the Philippines, offering wise and humorous solutions to everything from how to stand up to bullies or outwit the sky.
“The stories in this piece, coupled with mini lessons on Filipino history, dance, song, cuisine, values, and language help to make Filipino Folktales & Fables a well-balanced celebration of an important culture that is part of our islands,” says Alvin Chan.
Filipino Folktales & Fables sets the stage for a family fun day. HTY Artistic Director, Eric Johnson, encourages families to spend more quality time together, “In the age of electronic devices we hope families will choose to spend time learning and laughing together.”
Created and directed by Chan, this production will be his final show before departing for the mainland in pursuit of graduate studies at North Western University in Chicago, Illinois.
The ensemble cast features Sean-Joseph Choo, Maki’ilei Ishihara, Matthew Mazzella, Junior Tesoro, and guest artist Christian Jay Quinto. Scenic and Prop Design by Chesley Cannon, Eric West, and Brain Gilhooly; Costumes by Alvin Chan and Sharon Garcia Doyle; Lighting Design Brian Gilhooly; Projection Design, Chesley Cannon; Music Composition and Sound Design Matthew Mazzella and Sean-Joseph Choo; Choreography, H. Wayne Mendoza.
Filipino Folktales & Fables opens Friday August 24 @ 7:00 p.m. and runs Saturdays August 25 – September 22 @ 4:30 p.m. with ASL Interpretation Saturday September 22 @ 11:00 a.m. and Onstage Workshop September 15 @ 2:30 p.m.
Performances are at Tenney Theatre on the grounds of The Cathedral of St. Andrew. The show is ideal for ages 6 and up. Single tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth (18 and under) and $15 for seniors (over 60). HTY For Every Family Pay-What-You-Can performance will be Saturday September 22 @11:00 am. For more information, to receive a season brochure, order tickets to a show or learn more about HTY’s educational programming call 839-9885 ext 720. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.htyweb.org.
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