Honolulu Theatre for Youth Tours FIVE CHINESE BROTHERS, Now thru 11/9

For the first time in many years, Honolulu Theatre for Youth will tour a theatre performance statewide to public audiences.

HTY’s 2012-13 season opener, the world premiere of Five Chinese Brothers, will be presented as follows:

Oahu – Tenney Theatre at The Cathedral of St. Andrew; opening night tonight, August 24 at 7:30 p.m.; then Saturdays, August 25 – Sept. 29, 4:30 p.m.
Hilo – UH Hilo Performing Arts Center, Friday, October 12, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Maui – Iao Theatre, Friday, October 26, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Kauai – Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center, Friday, November 9, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.

Five Chinese Brothers could be called the first super-hero story, where people (not gods or mythical creatures) had extraordinary abilities. Wildly interactive, this romp through Ming Dynasty China draws on traditional Chinese theatrical techniques in a new take on the classic children’s story in which five identical brothers each possess a special talent. One can swallow the sea; one has an iron neck; one can stretch his legs; one can survive fire; and the last can hold his breath forever. They learn to appreciate what makes them different while teaching tolerance and an understanding of the gifts that make us all unique.

The play is authored by Alvin Chan, who also acts in the performance along with Maile Holck, Junior Tesoro and Kala‘i Stern. Director is Eric Johnson; set, lights and props designer is H. Bart McGeehon; costume designer is Alvin Chan; fight choreographer is Nick Logue.

Single tickets to the Oahu performances are $20 for adults, $10 for youth and $15 for seniors; tickets to neighbor island performances are $10 each, general admission only. Tickets may be ordered online at www.htyweb.org or by calling HTY at 839-9885. Walk-ups are welcome on a space available basis.

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.