Everyone could use some Sparkle

Honolulu Theatre for Youth presents “Sparkle,” a new play targeted at very young kids. “Sparkle” runs 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Oct. 13 and 20. Visit  www.htyweb.org.  There are also free performances 1 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Kailua library, 3:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Mililani library and 3 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Nankuli library.

‘Seven Samurai’ for kids?

Honolulu Theatre for Youth is bringing a version of Akira Kurasawa’s classic film “Seven Samurai” to the stage for island keiki. The story will be told as a one-man show starring David Gaines who will present the tale as mime, storytelling and clowning over the course of an hour. “7 (x 1) Samurai” will be presenter at Tenney Theatre at 7 p.m. June 1. Tickets are $10. The show is appropriate for ages 7 and up. www.htyweb.org/7-x-1-samurai-coming-honolulu-theatre-youth/

Play time

Honolulu Theatre for Youth announced its slate of plays for next season. The theme of “Our Stories” will feature seven plays in 2018-19. My son is most excited about the staging of Mo Willem’s popular Elephant and Piggie characters in “We Are in a Play!”

• Filipino Folktales & Fables opens Aug. 24

• Sparkle opens Oct. 13

• PANIOLO Stories and Songs from the Hawaiian Cowboy opens Nov. 2

• Elephant and Piggie’s “WE ARE IN A PLAY!” opens Dec. 7

• HOME of the BRAVE opens Feb. 8

• Trash & Treasure opens March 2

• The Adventures of Pinocchio opens April 12

Season tickets are $105 adults, $55 youth and $80 for seniors.  Single tickets are $20, $10 and $15, respectively. Honolulu Theatre for Youth stages shows at Tenney Theatre, 229 Queen Emma Square.

Catch a free sneak peek of the season May 18 at 6 p.m. Sign up at htyweb.org/

Shocking story

Honolulu Theatre for Youth closes the season with Shocka: The story of energy in Hawaii. The musical performances about the world of energy are April 13, 14, 21, 28 and May 5 and 12. If it’s anything like last year’s amazing H20: The story of water. They should fit quite a spectacle into the 60-minute production. http://www.htyweb.org/plays/shocka-story-energy-hawaii/