COURTESY OF HONOLULU THEATRE FOR YOUTH
At the shoe store, Alexander's brothers get cool, colorful shoes, but Alexander only fits in a pair of plain, white shoes.
Most people can relate to having a very bad day. I'm talking about the kind of day when you wish you hadn't even rolled out of bed because rain clouds seem to follow you wherever you go. No matter how much folks try to avoid mishap, stress and personal and social crises abound. Even if you're just a kid. A bad day makes
for lots of funBy Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.comAlexander, a 6-year-old boy, understands these feelings. He wakes up with gum in his hair, only to embark on a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day." It's no wonder he wants to move.
The Honolulu Theatre for Youth is presenting a delightful adaptation of Judith Viorst's children's book, "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." Alexander's animated character is brought to life by Clara Daizell, whose co-stars are music, vivid props and eccentric characters.
The musical launches HTY's 48th season and is intended for youngsters ages 4 and up.
Those who frequent HTY productions are in for a treat. This show was among my favorite HTY performances.
Lopsided, colorful furniture added an element of fun to the quirky tale of Alexander's catastrophic escapades. The vibrant backdrops resembled the pages in the original storybook. Most children enjoy that kind of continuity.
Daizell shined in the lead. Anyone who knows the story could have recited the lines alongside her.
Songs added to the performance, such as "If I Were In Charge of the World," also sent children's imaginations soaring. The whole cast gathered to sing, "A chocolate sundae with whipped cream and nuts would be a vegetable." They also expressed the desire for a world with unicorns and magic carpets, but no sisters or dress-up clothes.
Some of the most entertaining moments occurred when interns Reb Beau Allen and Elitei Tatafu Jr. posed as a variety of objects, including doors, a sink, a coat rack and a talking Oki Doki 2003 Xerox machine. The characters popped up in unusual places, wreaking havoc on poor Alexander. The duo also provided sound effects and put on kangaroo and koala bear costumes.
Company actors include BullDog and Cynthia See, who play Alexander's brothers Nick and Anthony. BullDog's antics and expressions drew a lot of laughter.
Nara Cardenas' roles included Alexander's mother and Mrs. Dickens, the schoolteacher.
Children clearly identified with the obstacles Alexander encountered, causing them to laugh out loud. The playground scene depicted the feeling of being left out of the loop. At one point, Alexander's best friend tells him he is no longer his best friend.
Other unfortunate incidents include his mom forgetting to pack dessert in his lunch, and a trip to the dentist in which Alexander learns he has cavities and his brothers do not. Sibling rivalry is alive and well in this presentation.
A classroom scene had Tatafu convincingly playing Audrey, the teacher's pet.
Adults seemed to enjoy the snazzy shoe salesman resembling Elvis, played by Blake Kushi. Everything is bright and colorful, but just as it seems like Alexander's luck will change, he's told the only shoes available to him are plain white.
Just as Alexander learns that everyone has bad days sometimes, youngsters in the audience leave with a lesson or two from watching him get through his day.
Presented by the Honolulu Theatre for Youth 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day'
Where: Leeward Community College Theatre, 96-045 Ala Ike St.
When: Repeats 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. tomorrow and Sept. 21, and Oct. 6. A sign interpreter will be at the 4:30 p.m. Sept. 21 performance
Tickets: $12 for adults; $6 for seniors and children under 18
Call: 839-9885
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