Event Description
Produced by Honolulu Theatre for Youth
It's the late 1800s. It's a time of invention - trains, steamboats, cameras, even electricity is new at the King's palace in Honolulu. An eleven-year-old Native Hawaiian boy accidentally strikes the strings of his guitar with a bolt from a railroad track and unlocks a brand new sound. Hawaiian music - and the music of America - is never the same. Based on a true story, this new play traces the incredible invention of the steel guitar from the taro fields to vaudeville halls to Blues, Country, Rock and Roll music and beyond.
With a thrilling live Hawaiian lap-steel guitar soundtrack and projections, this production celebrates innovation, engineering, and the global exchange of ideas and sound. It tells the real-life story of Joseph Kekuku as well as the story of the annexation of Hawaii and the movement of young people from the island to the continent and sometimes, back home again. Rich in history, the play also looks forward and encourages children of today to celebrate their voice, culture, and sense of curiosity.
Written by Moses Goods, one of HawaiĘ»i’s most prominent theatre artists, in collaboration with Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings, this production premiered at HTY in spring 2025 and will have its first national tour in 26-27. This production is supported by the TYA Tour Development Collective with contributions from Gogue Performing Arts Center, Walton Arts Center, Playhouse Square, Zoellner Arts Center
Curriculum connections: Music, Social & Emotional Learning, Social Studies
Recommended for grades: 2nd & up
Running time: 60 minutes
The 10:00 a.m. performance on Wednesday, February 24, 2027 will have sign language interpreters. Guests who need the assistance of the interpreter: please note this on your order form so we can seat you appropriately.
INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION:
- Teacher Resource Guide
- Pre-Show Classroom Connections Workshop Video
- Post-Show Classroom Connections Workshop Video
To request a field trip, please complete the online 2026-2027 School Field Trip Order Form by clicking the “Register” button on this page. Registrations and order by phone are not accepted, but we are happy to answer your questions. For assistance in choosing the best shows for your class, please contact the Education Hotline at 216-348-7909 or schoolprograms@playhousesquare.org.
Pricing:
Groups of 10 or more, $7 per ticket with one complimentary ticket for every 20 purchased.
Groups of 9 or fewer, $12 per ticket.
Cleveland Metropolitan School District teachers: Registrations open July 27, 2026 for a limited number of free and reduced-cost tickets for CMSD schools and approved partnered schools. If you are interested in a specific title, please complete the 2026-2027 CMSD Interest Form to be notified when registrations are live.
This Student Matinee Performance is part of the Playhouse Square Education Department Social Justice Series.