Honolulu Theatre for Youth's DUKE Begins Tonight

Honolulu Theatre for Youth's world premiere of DUKE, an original play in honor of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Hawaii's ambassador of aloha, Duke Kahanamoku, will be onstage tonight, October 16, through November 14, 2015.

Hawaii's greatest athlete, the grandfather of modern surfing, a 13-term sheriff of Honolulu and a Hollywood actor, Duke Kahanamoku is unquestionably one of the most important and beloved figures in Hawaiian history. Playwright and HTY favorite Moses Goods wrote and stars in this one-man show, portraying more than a dozen characters in an unforgettable depiction of an extraordinary life. As part of HTY's ongoing collaboration with the Bishop Museum, whose exhibit, "Duke Paoa Kahanamoku" is open through Nov. 30, 2015, the play celebrates Hawaii's remarkable history and its unique contributions to the world.

DUKE opens tonight, October 16 at 7 p.m. at Tenney Theatre on the grounds of The Cathedral of St. Andrew, and continues on Saturdays, October 17, 24, 31 AND November 7 at 4:30 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.

DUKE is directed by Eric Johnson; set, lighting and projection designer is Chesley Cannon; costume designer is Lacy Rohlf; composers/sound designers are John Signor, Honybal Sosa and Sam Willis.

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.