Water. Hawaii is surrounded by it, and the islands are naturally blessed with some of the purest fresh water in the world. Water is so visible and so accessible for most people here that it is easy to take it for granted. “H2O, The Story of Water and Hawaii,” the family-friendly show by Honolulu Theatre for Youth that opens in Tenney Theatre Friday, is guaranteed to give kids fresh perspective on water and why we should use it wisely.
“A few years ago we did a show called ‘Grinds,’ about food in Hawaii, and water kept coming up as part of the story. There were too many ‘water stories’ so we decided to do a show about water,” said HTY Artistic Director Eric Johnson. “How do we get young people to think about water — not just in general but specific to Hawaii and how we live? On Oahu, we have some of the best water in the world. Why is that, and what can be done to preserve that?”
A cast of six veteran actors play multiple roles — including scientists, activists, rock stars and ancient Hawaiians — and sing and dance and perform with puppets and lots of water. Real water.
>> Name of play: “H2O, The Story of Water and Hawaii”
>> Run dates: 7 p.m. Friday; 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 16, 23, 30 and May 7; 2 p.m. April 23
>> Where: Tenney Theatre, St. Andrew’s Cathedral
>> Admission: $10 (ages 3-18), $15 (seniors) and $20 (adults); all seats general admission
>> Length of play: 55 minutes
>> Intermission: No
>> Age recommendation: 5 and older
>> What it’s about: Water. What it is, where it comes from, and how it plays an essential role in all aspects of life.
>> Morals and messages: Water is essential to all of us. Water should never be wasted or taken for granted.
>> Parental advisory: Kids in the front row may get slightly wet.
>> Kid-pleaser scene: Cast members getting soaked with real water.
>> Director Eric Johnson says: “This is one of the most ambitious and exciting projects HTY has ever produced. It’s set on a stage designed as a giant H2O (water) molecule. The set is made from marine debris, and our cast of Water Warriors explores the cultural, historical, environmental and physical properties of water with song, humor and interactive storytelling.”
>> Ever-changing show: The “Water Hero” segment will recognize a different local conservationist each performance.
On opening night, the Water Hero will be musician Jack Johnson.
>> For more info: 839-9885 or htyweb.org
