Touring Spring 2026
The Show
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!
Production Credits
Written and Directed by Reiko Ho
Set Design by Chesley Cannon
Costume Design by Iris Kim
Prop Design by Eric West and Iris Kim
Lighting Design by Chesley Cannon
Lyrics for Boat-Building Haozi Devised by Serina Dunham, Mattea Mazzella, Hermenigildo Tesoro, Jr.
Performed by Serina Dunham, Emily Wright, Mattea Mazzella, Hermenigildo Tesoro, Jr.
Lion Dance Consultants Denton Chun, Brandon Lee, Ricky Lee from Hawaii Lion Dance Association
Kung Fu Consultants Grant Miyashiro, Chad Okumura, Kevin Won from Ninja Monkeys
To Book a National Tour
Contact our National Agents, Holden & Arts Associates
Partners
SUPPORT THIS WORK
We have been fortunate to work with generous partners and funders on the creation of this project.
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
The Clarence T C Ching Foundation
The Freeman Foundation
The Gee Hing Chinese Charitable Trust
Samuel N. & Mary Castle Foundation
Hawaiʻi State Department of Health
If you would like to support this work or other HTY Projects please contact HTY’s Managing Director, Becky Dunning at manager@htyweb.org.
