PETER RABBIT & THE GARDEN' Runs Now thru 3/8 at HTY

Honolulu Theatre for Youth presents a brand new, original stage adaptation of Beatrix Potter's beloved Peter Rabbit stories. PETER RABBIT AND THE GARDEN was created especially for Hawaii's youngest theatre audiences by Annie Cusick Wood and the HTY company. The play designed for ages 3 and up is on stage Saturdays, today, Feb. 22, Mar. 1 and Mar. 8 at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. All shows are at Tenney Theatre. Tickets are $10 for all ages, see www.htyweb.org or call 839-9885.

PETER RABBIT AND THE GARDEN combines different parts of two stories: The Tale of Peter Rabbit and The Tale of Benjamin Bunny. In this preschooler-appropriate romp, Peter Rabbit loves veggies more than anything...but can this impulsive rabbit learn some manners before he gets into big trouble? Entertaining and educational, this version of the Peter Rabbit story explores the fine line between curiosity and responsibility.

Guest director is Annie Cusick Wood. Actors are Maile Holck and Junior Tesoro. Set, props and puppet design is by Karen Keifer; costume design is by Sandra Payne.

Wood said, "We took some liberties with the stories and developed a bit of drama with Benjamin and Peter in the garden. A delightful pop up set, adorable puppets, Scottish music (including a few original songs by Max Louie), and a very nice Scottish brogue by Mr. Macgregor add some spice to the classic tales."

Annie Cusick Wood has worked as a director and writer in theatre for children since 1992, directing for many leading companies across the UK including Visible Fictions, Catherine Wheels, Citizens Theatre and Northern Stage. She was the Artistic Director of Polka Theatre for Children in London for four years before arriving in Hawaii in 2006. Several of her shows have toured extensively across Europe, Asia, USA and Canada including the New Victory Theatre in NYC. In 2011 she directed "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" for HEARTS (Hawaii Education of the Arts) and "The Red Balloon." She is on the Board of HEARTS and assists Le Jardin Academy with lower school shows. She wrote and directed "BLUE" for HTY in 2012, and "AUNTIE MARTHA AND THE NENE (GOOSE)" IN 2013-14. She is married to actor Henry Ian Cusick and recently served as a producer on his short film DRESS.

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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