HTY Soars Into 2018 With THE RED BALLOON

The boundless imagination of a child kindled by loneliness and driven by a desire for adventure can breathe life into anything, even a red balloon. Opening January 12 at Honolulu Theater for Youth, filled with whimsy and charm, internationally acclaimed The Red Balloon will warm your heart while artfully approaching the very serious topic of bullying. Based on the academy award winning film by Albert Lamorisse this story about friendship has been adapted for the stage by HTY's Annie Cusick Wood, "Sixty years on from this story's creation, kids can still feel lonely, still stand up for their friends and even more evident to us nowadays is that people rush in to help when you most need it. This highly visual production shows us Pascal and the balloon's journey with plenty humor, pathos, dance, puppetry and a special touch of balloon magic."

Pascal's best friend is a balloon, but this is no ordinary balloon. He comes when called. Well, ...mostly. He and Pascal do everything together... except when balloons are not allowed. In midst of their fantastical adventures, Pascal and The Red Balloon are confronted by boys whose jealousy blisters into bullying. This beguiling production will take you on an adventure through the back allies of Paris. The set dismantles and rebuilds itself before your eyes. Music and movement playfully capture the youthful and often mischievous spirit of The Red Balloon. The moving story is as relevant today in Hawaii as it was in 1950s Paris.

Featuring Christina Uyeno as Pascal with Maile Holck, Matthew Mazzella, and Junior Tesoro as a variety of colorful Parisian characters. Directed by Annie Cusick Wood, Set Design Karen Tennet, Costume Design Karen Keifer, Lighting Design Chesley Cannon, Composer/Sound Design Pierre Grill, Choreographer Nathaniel Niemi.

The Red Balloon opens Friday January 12 @ 7:00 pm and runs Saturdays January 13 - 27 @ 4:30 pm with ASL Interpretation Saturday January 27 @ 11:00am and Onstage Workshop January 20 @ 2:30 pm. Performances are at Tenney Theatre on the grounds of The Cathedral of St. Andrew. It is ideal for ages 5 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 January 27 @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. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.htyweb.org.