Hawaii Children's Theatre

Upcoming shows:

Front row from left to right: Skylar Shim, Savannah Hubbard, Maddison Hubbard, Tanner Hubbard, David Braman, Isaac Dubey, Cole Diamond, Annabella Thompson, Kehaulani Roberts-Duque, Anamika Whittingham Second row from left to right: Larry Richardson, Simon Oyama, Veda Parker, Ariana Franks, Sienna Gregerson, Benjamin Petterson, Selah Snowden, Leilani Goldberg, Melina Ventura, Katy Hoesel, Jacob Lester, Colten Moore, Billy Quebido, Mahina Olores, Maddy Thain, Preston Hayden, Charles O’Neill, Mia Thompson, Margaret McLeod, Eve Parker, Pierson Wetherington Back row from left to right: Abby Winters, Jodi Woodward, Rayna Shafter, Fia Gaines, Bethany Zamora, Travis Williamson, Katherine Polzin, Emma Pinkston, Makaya Kaduce, Ahnalia Koufis Missing from the photo: Mackenzie Franks, Kala’e Abrams, Kolea Rautmann, Jessika Montoya, Jim Warrack, Meryl Abrams, Noah Cabello

Hawaii Children’s Theatre announces the upcoming fall production of Disney’s NEWSIES!

Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, NEWSIES features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots). Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” NEWSIES is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and all audiences.

NEWSIES is a full scale musical production directed and choreographed by Rebecca Hanson, who has been our amazing director for our Summer Stars program since 2014. She’s directed “The Wizard of Oz ”, “James and the Giant Peach, Jr,” and this past summer directed “Beauty and the Beast, Jr.”. She has also directed many shows on Kauai including: “The Lion King, Jr.”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, and “Spamalot”.

Rebecca is originally from Minneapolis where she earned her bachelor’s in Theatre Arts. After which she toured for four years with “Sesame Street, Live!” before starting her career in theater education and direction. Rebecca is excited to bring one of her all time favorite musicals to Kauai audiences as her first large scale musical production. She is complemented by a team of seasoned theatre professionals including Nina Saraos (Musical Director), Dolly Kanekuni (Producer and Vocal Coach), Bailey Hutton (Stage Manager) and Debra Blachowiak (Producer).

The cast of NEWSIES features 49 cast members from the Kaua’i community including 28 local youth actors under 13 years old. Veteran Kauai performers featured include Billy Quebido (Jack Kelly), Jessika Montoya (Katherine), Colten Moore (Crutchie) and Ariana Franks (Medda Larkin). HCT’s hallmark is a diverse cast integrating both experienced and novice actors, with an educational production process where students and adults build valuable theatre skills in all aspects of production, while building confidence and a sense of teamwork along the way. The show is scheduled to perform over three weekends at Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall from November 9th through November 25th, with Friday and Saturday shows scheduled at 7:00 pm and Sunday matinees at 4:00 pm. Tickets are available at the door for $15 adults, $12 seniors/students (children 3 and under are free). Advance tickets will be available for $12 at ticket outlets from

October 15th, and on our website. Ticket outlets are: Times in Lihue, Kalaheo Cafe, Progressive Expressions in Koloa, Papayas in Kapaa, Healthy Hut in Kilauea, and Magic Dragon Toy and Art Supply in Princeville. Groups may contact the organization for discounted tickets (25 persons or more).

The community is encouraged to support a special benefit matinee performance on Sunday, November 12th for Kauai food banks with $6 tickets from the cast and at the door with a donation of food or money.

Hawaii Children’s Theatre productions are made possible through a broad range of community support and thousands of volunteer hours. Many opportunities remain to support the production in its final month of preparation. Those interested to find out more about how to support NEWSIES and Hawaii Children’s Theatre including donations, set sponsorship, program advertising, group tickets and/or volunteering are invited to contact HCT Administrator, Erin Gaines at the HCT office, 808-634-6612. Hawaii Children’s Theatre mission is to serve as a world-class, multi-cultural theater arts education program standing for excellence, accessibility, and theater that makes a difference to enrich the lives of young people, their families and the community. Since its inception in 1996, several productions each year have been created for our Kauai community. For additional show and ticket info contact www.HawaiiChildrensTheatre.org or call the program office at 808-246- 8985.