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 slide 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 Hawaiʻi’s most prominent theatre artists, in collaboration with Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings, this production premiered at Honolulu Theatre for Youth (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.
Founded in 1955, HTY is one of the oldest and most respected children’s theatres in the country. HTY has served over five million people through school and family performances and drama education programs. Over 300 new plays for young audiences have been commissioned by HTY.
Thank You!
This activity is supported in part by an award from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
Image: Photo (detail) courtesy of the artists.
Image: Photo (detail) courtesy of the artists.
