Honolulu Theatre for Youth to Present RUDOLF'S REINDEER GAMES

RUDOLF'S REINDEER GAMES opens Friday, November 27 at 7 p.m. at Tenney Theatre on the grounds of The Cathedral of St. Andrew, and continues on Saturdays, Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 at 4:30 p.m. There is a sensory-friendly/ASL-interpreted performance on Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. Single tickets are $20 for adults (age 18-59), $15 for seniors (age 60+) and $10 for youth (age 2-17). The show is best enjoyed by audiences eight years old and above. Tickets at www.htyweb.org or 839-9885.

Created by local improv masters Garrick Paikai and R. Kevin Doyle along with the entire HTY Company, RUDOLF'S REINDEER GAMES promises a slightly different show at each performance, though each one will be filled with songs, sketches and games played live onstage.

RUDOLF'S REINDEER GAMES playfully tosses tradition to the wind, so while a joyous holiday spirit abounds, audiences will experience a refreshing departure from the usual seasonal fare.

Artistic Director Eric Johnson says, "For years I have wanted to bring the spirit of 'Saturday Night Live' and 'Second City' to a family audience and R. Kevin and Garrick are just the guys to do this. They have been training our company for months on how to turn audience suggestions into great theatre and the results are going to be hilarious. Each show will be like unwrapping a delightful surprise gift."

In fact audiences are encouraged to bring a surprising "gift" to the performance. Anything wrapped, non-breakable and family friendly might be opened as part of the performance and become inspiration for a scene or song in the show.

The cast of Rudolf's Reindeer Games is Alvin Chan, Maile Holck, Junior Tesoro and Christina Uyeno. Lighting designer is Chesley Cannon; set designer is Anna Foster; costume designer is Lacy Rohlf; musician/composer is Matthew Mazzella.

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.