Skip to main content
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

Interview: Reiko Ho of THE CARP WHO WOULD NOT QUIT AND OTHER ANIMAL STORIES at Children's Theatre Company

This production runs January 16 - February 18, 2024

By:
Interview: Reiko Ho of THE CARP WHO WOULD NOT QUIT AND OTHER ANIMAL STORIES at Children's Theatre Company

Interview: Reiko Ho of THE CARP WHO WOULD NOT QUIT AND OTHER ANIMAL STORIES at Children's Theatre Company Image
Photo courtesy of Reiko Ho

Could YOU climb up a waterfall??! See a heroic carp who tries just that in this energetic and interactive retelling of traditional fables from Japan and Okinawa. Through artful puppetry and three imaginative actors, you’ll also meet a grateful crane, a wonderfully generous mouse, and an industrious rabbit who teaches everyone to do the mochi dance! During this invigorating show from Hawai‘i, live music played on the kotoshakuhachi, and taiko drum will accompany young audiences as they dance, clap, and sing along.

By Reiko Ho and the Honolulu Theatre for Youth Ensemble
Directed by Reiko Ho 

We chat with Reiko Ho about this production.

As an Asian American, celebrating and sharing our cultural stories is one of the most meaningful things that I do as a theater maker.  The show was created for very young audiences and is inspired by  some of my own favorite, childhood stories from Japan and Okinawa.
 
What is your favorite moment in the show?
The show is interactive and I love watching and listening to the student audiences engage, calling  out "Ganbatte" or other Japanese words with the cast.

What do you hope the audience takes away from seeing this production?
Stories connect us.  I want the audience to leave feeling like part of my family.  Many Japanese folktales are meant to teach important lessons.  In our show, the tales show us important traits-- perseverance, gratitude, self-lessness, bravery, kindness and to believe in oneself.  I hope that the audience feels the joy and aloha we have while connecting with them.
 
Do you have any favorite local spots? 

I have never been to Minneapolis before and am excited to discover places!

Thank you Reiko for your time.

For more ticket and show information, please click the ticket link button below

Click Here to Get Tickets
More on Children's Theatre Company
Upcoming Shows
Pinocchio
Pinocchio
9/8 - 10/18/2026
Recent Articles
Cast Set For PRINCESS KAY OF THE MILKY WAY at Children's Theatre Company
Cast Set For PRINCESS KAY OF THE MILKY WAY at Children's Theatre Company
8/10/2026
Interview: Antonisia (Nisi) Collins of PINOCCHIO at Children's Theatre Company
Interview: Antonisia (Nisi) Collins of PINOCCHIO at Children's Theatre Company
8/9/2026
Don't Miss a Minneapolis / St. Paul News Story
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...

Local Shows
Dirty Dancing: The Musical in Minneapolis / St. Paul Dirty Dancing: The Musical
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (8/12-9/06)
Kate Wallich & Perfume Genius: “The Lesson” in Minneapolis / St. Paul Kate Wallich & Perfume Genius: “The Lesson”
Northrop (4/01-4/01)
Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández in Minneapolis / St. Paul Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández
Northrop (3/04-3/04)
Ira Glass: Stories for a Sunday Afternoon in Minneapolis / St. Paul Ira Glass: Stories for a Sunday Afternoon
State Theatre (1/31-1/31)
Oh, Mary! in Minneapolis / St. Paul Oh, Mary!
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (1/06-1/17)
Menopause The Musical in Minneapolis / St. Paul Menopause The Musical
Ames Center (11/03-11/03)
The Music Man in Minneapolis / St. Paul The Music Man
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (12/08-12/27)
Legally Blonde in Minneapolis / St. Paul Legally Blonde
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts (2/19-2/21)
Clay Walker in Minneapolis / St. Paul Clay Walker
Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center (8/28-8/28)
Hold On To Your Butts in Minneapolis / St. Paul Hold On To Your Butts
Dudley Riggs Theatre (10/31-11/01)

BroadwayWorld TV