Honolulu Theatre for Youth shines in ‘Sparkle’

Little Lucas loves all things sparkly so, so much. But Isabella, who comes to play one day, doesn’t like sparkle at all. So his sparkle starts to dim.

What happens to Lucas?

Find out at Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s new play, “Sparkle,” premiering Saturday at Tenney Theater.

The show, ideal for preschoolers, follows Lucas as he ventures into his first social circle, stands up to a bully and learns to believe in himself.

“ ‘Sparkle’ is about empathy and understanding that we all have different preferences,” said Annie Cusick Wood, the play’s creator and director.

The production includes music and puppets to help tell a story that is both poignant and humorous.

“We laugh, we cry and we have hope and feel joy,” Wood said. “The play is a great conversation starter for families about the importance of expressing who you are, tolerance and kindness.”

“SPARKLE”

Presented by Honolulu Theatre for Youth

>> Where: Tenney Theater, The Cathedral of Saint Andrew, 229 Queen Emma Square

>> When: 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Oct. 20; ASL performance and HTY for Every Family Pay-What-You-Can performance 11:30 a.m. Oct. 20

>> Cost: $10-$20 (for ages 3 and older)

>> Info: 839-9885, ext. 720, htyweb.org

>> Note: Watch a free, 30-minute showing of “Sparkle” 1 p.m. Oct. 27 at Kailua Public Library, 3:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at Mililani Public Library and 3 p.m. Nov. 13 at Nanakuli Public Library; call libraries directly for more information