PUHI — Mitchell Ouye is thrilled to be part of the Hawaii Children’s Theater’s upcoming production of Disney’s “Mary Poppins.” It is, he said, an iconic musical that today’s generation should experience. But many youth haven’t heard of this magical
PUHI — Mitchell Ouye is thrilled to be part of the Hawaii Children’s Theater’s upcoming production of Disney’s “Mary Poppins.”
It is, he said, an iconic musical that today’s generation should experience.
But many youth haven’t heard of this magical character named Mary Poppins, and had not enjoyed the simple pleasure of flying a kite, either, as they do in Mary Poppins while singing “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.”
Sunday, they got the chance to create some magic of their own.
“That’s why we’re doing this today. I found out some kids haven’t even flown a kite before,” Ouye said. “We wanted them to have that experience so we can have them tie into ‘Mary Poppins’ better.”
The cast and crew of “Mary Poppins,” their families and friends and anyone else who wanted to, spend 90 minutes flying kites at the Puhi soccer field next to HCT’s home off Puhi Road.
With blue skies and sunshine overhead, and green grass underfoot, all they needed was a bit of wind — and they got it. Gusts quickly sent the kites soaring high and, occasionally, crashing into a heap on the ground.
Talon Ahnan of Kilauea, who plays Burt in the musical, was the first to arrive for the event with his 8-year-old son, Tristan. He helped some of the younger ones get their kites headed in the right direction — up.
“This is what it’s about. We’re all ohana, we’re all family here,” he said. “Some of us are just getting to know each other, but we come out here together and something like this gathers us even closer and makes the production that much greater for everybody.”
Ahnan is delighted to be part of the “Mary Poppins” cast, calling it a dream come true.
“I’ve only been here three years,” he said. “They’ve allowed me this opportunity to do something I really love.”
Tristan has been involved in other productions and wants to be part of HCT’s next musical. For now, he’s looking forward to watching dad.
“He’s excited about seeing the magic come alive on stage,” Ahnan said.
HCT President Dolly Kanekuni pointed out there is a scene at the ends of “Mary Poppins” where the family heads out the door to fly kites together. The importance of moms and dads spending time with their children, good parenting, was a message behind the hit movie.
“That’s what we have going on today,” Kanekuni said. “Events like this that tie into the show, help the cast to bond. Here, you see families doing fun things together.”
HCT’s version of the classic family favorite opens Nov. 13 and runs for three weekends, closing Nov. 29. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. at the Kauai Memorial Convention Hall.
