HTY Extends CHARLOTTE'S WEB Through 5/28

Honolulu Theatre for Youth has extended the performance run of its season finale Charlotte's Web, the Newbery Medal-winning children's tale by E.B. White. Originally onstage through May 11, an 8th performance has been added on Saturday, May 18 at 2:30 p.m. All performances are at Tenney Theatre on the grounds of The Cathedral of St. Andrew.

Single tickets are $20 for adults (age 18-59), $15 for seniors (age 60+) and $10 for youth (age 2-17). Tickets may be ordered online at www.htyweb.org or by calling HTY at 839-9885. Walk-ups are welcome on a space available basis.

Considered one of the greatest American stories of all time, the beloved Charlotte's Web has been adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette. Accompanied by live music from a delightful three-piece string ensemble, all the enchanting characters are here: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who understands what animals say to each other; Templeton, the gluttonous rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed; and of course the extraordinary spider, Charlotte. Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte begins her campaign with the "miracle" of her web in which she writes, "Some pig." It's the beginning of a victorious campaign which ultimately ends with Wilbur doing what is most important to Charlotte. This is a beautiful, knowing play about friendship that will leave audiences enchanted.

HTY is partnering with the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture for this project, bringing information and resources around Hawaii's farming community and encouraging young people to eat more fresh locally farmed produce. In their 2013-2014 Season the theatre will continue this dialogue by creating an original play entitled Grinds: The Story of Food in Hawaii. "We are excited by the opportunity to engage young people in a multi-year discourse about food and farms," said Becky Dunning, managing director of HTY. "Food sustainability and our community health is a huge issue for all of us. Engaging young people in the topic through this classic story seemed a perfect way to contribute to the discussion and we are delighted to be working with two branches of the State Government to reach over 20,000 students, teachers and families with this message."

Charlotte's Web is performed by a relatively large cast consisting of the entire 2012-13 season slate of HTY company actors: Maile Holck, Junior Tesoro, Alvin Chan, Kala'i Stern, Chesley Cannon, Jordan Savusa and Nina Buck. Director is Eric Johnson; set and light designer is David Gerke; Chesley Cannon is props designer; costume designer is Sandra Payne.

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.

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