HTY Brings Beloved BLUE Back to the Stage for Toddlers

By popular demand, Honolulu Theatre for Youth presents blue, a humorous, whimsical short play for the littlest of theatre patrons by Annie Cusick Wood which first premiered at HTY in 2012. Show times are Saturdays November 5, 12 and 19 at 9:30 and 11: 30 a.m., at Tenney Theatre on the grounds of The Cathedral of St. Andrew. (The 11:30 a.m. performance on Sat., Nov. 12 will be ASL-interpreted.)

blue is ideal for ages 3 and up. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors (60+) and $10 for youth (3-18). Tickets at 839-9885 or online at www.htyweb.org.

The show introduces the ideas of tolerance and diversity in an age-appropriate theatrical experience. It is the story of Inky Blue and Pale Blue, content and happy in their all-blue world. One day, color comes into their lives-different, scary...and ultimately quite wonderful! "I hope that this production will give children the courage to try something new," Wood says, "and a curiosity for the rich world around us."

blue is directed by Annie Cusick Wood and features professional HTY company actorsMaile Holck and Junior Tesoro. Set, costume and props designer is Karen Keifer; sound design is by Max Louie.

HTY Artistic Director Eric John said, "We are so fortunate to have an internationally known expert in developing and directing professional theatre work for extremely young audiences living and working in our community. Annie is a pioneer in this field and HTY was delighted to have her create this piece specifically for our audience."

Annie Cusick Wood has worked as a director and writer in theatre for children since 1992, directing for many leading companies across the UK including Visible Fictions, Catherine Wheels, Citizens Theatre and Northern Stage. She was the Artistic Director of Polka Theatre for Children in London for four years before arriving in Hawaii in 2006. Several of her shows have toured extensively across Europe, Asia, USA and Canada including the New Victory Theatre in NYC. In 2011 she directed "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" for HEARTS (Hawaii Education of the Arts) and "The Red Balloon." She is on the Board of HEARTS and a guest lecturer in theatre for young audiences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She is married to actor Henry Ian Cusick; together they founded Henry Joe Productions, a film Production Company whose most recent short film, DRESS, premiered at the Honolulu International Film Festival in 2013.

About Honolulu Theatre for Youth

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. 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.