HOLDEN & ARTS ASSOCIATES
SHARING STORIES AND CREATING PARTNERSHIPS SINCE 1983
THE GREAT RACE: THE STORY OF THE CHINESE ZODIAC
Produced by Honolulu Theatre for Youth
From Honolulu, HI
Photo by Brad Goda
Photo by Brad Goda
Join our characters, Po Po and Kung Kung, as they celebrate Chinese New Year by making dumplings and sharing the story of The Great Race with their grandkids, Freddie and Ivy. The show weaves a family celebration with a re- telling of one of the most beloved tales in Chinese folklore-- the origin story of the Chinese Zodiac.
When the Jade Emperor needs a way to tell time, he decrees that there will be a Great Race. The first twelve animals to cross the mighty river will have a year named after them. This 12-year cycle will mark the passage of time. Which animals win the race? What are the traits that help them cross the river? Why do the Rat and Cat become enemies? Learn how each animal earned its place in the Chinese Zodiac through this new performance from HTY, featuring a cast of 4, traditional Chinese music, Jingju and martial arts, and a whole lot of fun!
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Additional performances also available from the company: (virtual) Stories of Oceania and Duke.
Curriculum Connections
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Performing Arts: Theatre, Live Performance Puppetry, Lion Dance music and movement, Martial arts such as Jingju and Kung Fu
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Language Arts: Oral History Interviews, traditional fables, Haozi work songs
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History/Social Studies: Chinese culture & history; Origin of the Chinese Zodiac; Lunar New Year; Family Traditions
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Social/Emotional Learning Development: Bravery, Resilience, Community, Self-Awareness, Social Awareness, Self Management, and Relationship Skills.
Outreach & Workshops
Please contact us if additional outreach or workshops is something you'd like to explore. A member of the creative team may be available to deliver pre or post show workshops or a live Q&A for participating audiences. Please connect with us about outreach activities that best engage your teachers and schools.
Sensory Friendly
This performance is available as a “sensory friendly” or “relaxed” performance if arranged with the company in advance and with specific direction as to what adjustments are necessary for your venue.
Minimum Tech Specs
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Load In Time: Four hours (pre-rig required.)
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Crew Needs: 1-2 Electricians/Stage Hands and 1 Audio Technician for Load In. 1 crew member to operate lighting during show.
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Min. Stage Size: 15’ wide x 15’ deep, 12’ high. Two dressing rooms
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Load Out Time: 1 hour
Artistic Team
Written and Directed by Reiko Ho
Set Design by Chesley Cannon
Costume Design by Iris Kim
Prop Design by Eric West & Iris Kim
Lyrics for Boat-Building Haozi Devised by Serina Dunham, Mattea Mazzella, Hermenigildo Tesoro, Jr.
Study Guide by Reiko Ho
Lion Dance Consultants
Hawaii Lion Dance Association: Denton Chun, Brandon Lee & Ricky Lee
Kung Fu Consultants
Ninja Monkeys: Grant Miyashiro Chad Okumura Kevin Won
Performed by:
Serina Dunham
Eun Ho Lee
Mattea Mazzella
Hermenigildo Tesoro, Jr.
Touring Company will be 4 performers, 1 stage manager, still TBD.
Critical Acclaim
HTY has been awarded the prestigious 2022 CTFA Corey Medallion presented by the Childrenʻs Theatre Foundation of America and honors recipients for their significant achievements for the enrichment of children in the US and Canada. To learn more about the award, please read the following Broadway World article here. ​
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This production was the recipient of a 2024 NEA Grant.
About the Company
Honolulu Theatre for Youth (HTY) produces professional theatre and drama education programs that make a difference in the lives of young people, families and educators in the state of Hawaii.
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HTY believes that drama education and theatre are unique, socially-based education and art forms that help their participants and audiences walk in the shoes of others, allowing them to expand their imaginations, enrich their lives and discover the infinite possibilities in the world. HTY works towards a future for Hawaii in which people are culturally literate and imaginative, are critical thinkers and inventive problem solvers, with a respect for history and a sense of place in a complex world.
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Founded in 1955, HTY is one of the oldest and most respected children’s theatres in the country. HTY has served over five million people through school and family performances and drama education programs. Over 300 new plays for young audiences have been commissioned by HTY.
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HTY has used their talents in new ways during the Covid era and, with a partnership with NMG Network and Hawaii News Now, created a new type of children’s television program. Grounded in their geography and the many diverse cultures that make Hawaii special, the program is unlike anything currently available in children’s television and marks the beginning of a hybrid future for HTY as both theatre and digital media creator. Check out HTY's television show THE HI WAY as well as other information about the company and their work on their website here.
Past Productions
