Honolulu Theatre for Youth Presents NAVIGATOR

Honolulu Theatre for Youth's 2010-11 "Season of Science" continues with the world premiere of Navigator by Susan Soon He Stanton. The play opens Friday, Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m., and then plays Saturdays, Nov. 27 at 4:30 p.m., Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m., Dec. 11 at 4:30 & 7 p.m., and Dec. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at Tenney Theatre on the grounds of The Cathedral Church of St. Andrew. It is ideal for ages 5 and up.
 
Combining hula, chant, history and the science of navigation, this stunning production explores ancient and modern stories of way-making. Navigator tells the story of Moana, a young girl of ancient Kahiki, who dreams of becoming a navigator; and Annie, a California girl who gets sent to live with her grandfather in Hilo while her parents work out their divorce. Questions of identity, geography and history collide when two young women, centuries apart, find themselves wrestling with the stars and sea to discover their place in the world, and find their way home.
 
HTY Artistic Director Eric Johnson said, "Navigator explores the extraordinary skills and knowledge of the Polynesian navigators and asks some important questions about what cultural identity means.  Hula, chant and Hawaiian language all play prominently in this piece and we have been extremely fortunate to have Kumu Mapuana de Silva and her daughter Kahikina working with award winning local playwright Susan Soon He Stanton to develop this world premiere production."
 
Navigator is directed by Harry S. Wong III. Choreography is by Kumu Hula Mapuana de Silva. Additional choreography, chant and Hawaiian language guidance by Haku Mele, Kumu Hula and Kumu 'Olelo Hawai'i Kahikina de Silva.
 
Cast is Junior Tesoro, Moses Goods, Nina Buck and Danielle Zalophany. Lighting, set & props designer is H. Bart McGeehon; costume designer is Sandra Payne; sound designer is Barrett Hoover.
 
Single tickets are $16 for adults, and $8 for youth (18 and under) and 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 HTY at 839-9885. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.htyweb.org.
 
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.