Classic Hans Christian Anderson Tale Gets Hi-Tech Treatment in World Premiere of THUMBELINA HTY Season Finale

Based on the popular fairytale about a tiny girl born from a flower, the world premiere of Thumbelina, by Y York, is the grand finale production in HTY's 2016-17 season.

Thumbelina opens Friday, April 7 at 7 p.m., then plays Saturdays, April 8, 15, 22, 29 and May 6 & 13 at 4:30 p.m. A sensory-friendly, ASL-interpreted performance will be held on May 13 at 11 a.m.

This original telling of the Hans Christian Anderson story will use technology, puppets and original artwork to create a real time storybook before audiences' eyes. In a world where the small becomes larger than life, the value of friendship, family and the power of a good story are the most potent magic.

Director Eric Johnson said, "It is every child's fantasy to be a tiny person in a huge world, where you might ride on a lily pad, snuggle in a mouse's house, or chat face to face with a mole. In Thumbelina we create a live, almost cinematic experience for the audience, playing with scale and perspective using puppets, live actors, and actors against a blue screen to mix in video, all to explore the power of a story to understand who we are."

Thumbelina will be performed at Tenney Theatre on the grounds of The Cathedral of St. Andrew. It is ideal for ages 8 and up. Single tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth (18 and under) and $15 for seniors (over 60). For more information, to receive a season brochure, order tickets to a show or learn more about HTY's educational programming call 839-9885. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.htyweb.org.

Actors are Sean-Joseph Choo, Maile Holck, Junior Tesoro, Nathaniel Niemi and Christina Uyeno. Set, lights and video design are by Chesley Cannon; sound design and music composition are by Paul James Prendergast; costume design is by Kathleen Doyle; puppet and props design are by Lynn Jeffries and Chesley Cannon.

Honolulu Theatre for Youth is Hawaii's non-profit professional theatre company providing theatre and drama education programs that make a difference in the lives of Hawaii's young people and families. Founded in 1955, HTY is recognized the world over as one of America's most honored theatres.