A KOREAN CINDERELLA by Honolulu Theatre for Youth

A Korean Cinderella

Tenney Theatre

August 16-September 14

Fri, Aug 16 at 7:00pm, Sun, Aug 18 at 2:00pm, subsequent Saturdays at 4:30pm

HTY presents the return of A Korean Cinderella, a traditional tale with K-pop flair

A Korean Cinderella, a new telling of the Cinderella story, mixes modern K-pop with traditional Korean drumming, dance and costumes, and kicks off Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s 2019-2020 season.

Authored by Alvin Chan, the musical play opens Friday, August 16 at 7:00 p.m. at Tenney Theatre on the grounds of The Cathedral of St. Andrew, and continues Sunday, August 18 at 2:00pm and on Saturdays, August 24, 31 and September 7 and 14 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). Tickets at www.htyweb.org or 839-9885.

A Korean Cinderella takes Korea’s traditional version of the classic Cinderella tale, “Konji and Patji,” and transforms it into something new through a mixture of culturally specific theatre techniques and modern aesthetics popular in the host culture. Director Eric Johnson said, “We’ve interwoven the colorful, flashy world of K-pop with traditional Korean costumes, musical instruments and dance. Audiences are in for a wild ride.”

HTY collaborated with the renowned Halla Huhm Dance Studio to create the traditional Korean movement and dance, while Honolulu deejay Max Louie and street dance artist Jonathan Sypert crafted the K-pop inspired aspects. 

A Korean Cinderella is performed by HTY company actors Kristy Li-Strand, Maki’ilei Ishihara, Sean-Joseph Choo and Junior Tesoro. Director is Eric Johnson; lyrics and music are by Alvin Chan; sound design and music production are by Max Louie; costume design by Iris Kim; puppet design by Sue McLaughlin, lighting design by Brian Shevelenko, traditional Korean choreography and music are by Mary Jo Freshley; K-pop choreography is by Jonathan Sypert.

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.