COURTESY VEE CORPORATION

Mystery brings
dragons to isles

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By Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.com

Far away, beyond the clouds, lies a magical world with dragons, doodle fairies and giggle flowers. They're creatures from the popular PBS television series "Dragon Tales," a show that encourages children to approach life with wonder and confidence.

Each episode explores ways of coping with everyday conflicts and issues that touch young lives. Patience, dealing with rejection or embarrassment, adjusting to change, overcoming grudges and fears are among the topics presented.

Now keiki will get a chance to get up close to their favorite characters as "Dragon Tales Live" brings "Missing Music Mystery" to the Blaisdell Arena this weekend and next.

The mystery begins when all the music in Dragon Land disappears. Emmy and Max travel to Dragon Land using their familiar rhyme: "I wish, I wish with all my heart, to fly with dragons in a land apart" to help their friends overcome challenges.

Now who's who in Dragon Land? Here's a synopsis of the main characters that hang out there:

>> Emmy: An adventurous 6-year-old human. She's a free spirit and a natural leader who is imaginative, impulsive and enthusiastic. Emmy teaches children the importance of appreciating family and friends. She adores her little brother Max and encourages him to succeed at any task he sets out to do.

>> Max: Emmy's 4-year-old brother has a mischievous streak. He is independent, always wanting to do things all by himself. His stubbornness shows children that accepting the help of others when you need it is really a wiser choice.

>> Cassie: The smallest and youngest of the dragons is loving, compassionate and shy. In her spare time, she enjoys tea parties. Normally, she is the voice of reason in a dispute. She shows children that even when others don't agree, a personal opinion is important.

>> Ord: This lovable scaredy-cat desperately wants to be brave. He is notorious for collecting things, from sparkling gems to back scratchers. Ord shows children the importance of recognizing what they are afraid of and how to overcome fears.

>> Zak and Wheezie: The brother and sister dragons are joined at the torso but couldn't be more dissimilar. Zak is neat, orderly and perpetually worried. Wheezie is wild, spirited and fun-loving. The opposite personalities cause many bouts of sibling rivalry. The duo teaches children that compromise is necessary in building relationships with others.

>> Quetzal: As the dragon schoolteacher, he is one of the oldest and wisest dragons in the land. The children and young dragons rely on him for advice and direction. He always encourages them to think for themselves and to solve problems independently.

'Dragon Tales Live' Where: Blaisdell Arena When: 7 p.m. today, Dec. 5 and 6; 10:30 a.m. tomorrow, Sunday and Dec. 5 to 8; 2 p.m. tomorrow, Dec. 7 and 8; 5:30 p.m. tomorrow and Dec. 7 Admission: $11 and $15 Call: 591-2211 for information; 526-4400 to charge tickets by phone

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