The dramatic staging of this Japanese children's classic creates a fantastic world for viewers as Urashima Taro, a fisherman, rescues a turtle and as a reward is given a long life if he remains in the sea. Torn between longing for his family and the lure of the magical underwater world, he must decide which life is of greater importance.
The play, by Coleman Jennings, will be presented to pre-registered students, 5 years and up, at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday, April 22-26, at the theater on the Harrisburg Campus of HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College.
The live school performances will be immediately followed by the popular "talk-back" session with the cast, director and crew.
The cost is $4 per student. One chaperone per 10 students is required but no fee is charged for the chaperones.
Registration is still open. Call Linda Dale at 780-2604 or find information and downloadable registration form on the TYP website at www.hacc.edu/typ.
A public performance will be given at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26. Tickets are $8.
Directed by Brenda C. Eppley, HACC Professor of Theatre, TYP's presentation provides an authentic view of this Japanese tale. "Parts of the play are presented in a Kabuki theatre style. Costume structures and styles are created with Japanese traditional influences and feature kimono, obis and other Japanese accessories," Eppley says.
Costume design is by Paul Foltz, Adjunct Theatre Instructor. Lighting design is by Lori Friedlander, Theatre Technical Director. The set design/construction is by David J. Olmsted, Scenic Designer/Production Manager. Large Japanese bunraku style "sea creature" puppets are created by Linda Dale. Sound design is by Tamara Heagy. Property design is by Terry Hoffman. Choreography is by Adam Newborn. The Stage Manager for the production is HACC theatre student, Chris Wallen.
"The Honorable Urashima Taro" cast is comprised of HACC students featuring (in alphabetical order) Thomas Abraham, Aron Agerton, Josh Arnold, Gabe Belloti, Jerry Borelli, Crystal Brockman, Alex Cassel, Kyle DiRaddo, Sean Hackman, Ryan Hays, Vida Joines, Benjamin Koontz, Mandi Krepps, William McCarthy, Sean McCormack, Sander Merrill, Adam Newborn, Rebekah Ranck and Corey Unger.
Fast facts:
A public performance of the HACC Theatre for Young People's production of "The Honorable Urashima Taro" will be given at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Rose Lehrman Arts Center stage on the Harrisburg Campus. This one-hour performance runs without an intermission and is recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $8 for all seats. The Box Office phone is 717-231-ROSE (7673). Study guide information is available at www.hacc.edu/typ.
Guests also are invited to share in Globalfest 2008, which will be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 26, on the Harrisburg Campus. Globalfest features kids' activities, games, exhibits, multicultural performers, carriage rides and vendors. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call the HACC Multicultural Affairs/International Education Office at 717-780-1100.