‘Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals’ brings endangered species to life at Hawaii Theatre

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A unique multidisciplinary performance is taking the stage at the historic Hawaii Theatre this month, using giant puppetry, live symphonic music, and dance to spotlight the world’s endangered species.

Read more Kauai marks 34 years since Hurricane Iniki as Lowell recovery continues

Ocean Music Action founder Megan Conley and Obie Award-winning puppeteer Greg Corbino joined HNN Sunrise Weekends to preview “Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals,” which runs Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19.

The 80-minute, family-friendly production brings together an array of local and national talent in a production reminiscent of the stage musical adaptation of The Lion King. Audiences will see dozens of Corbino’s handcrafted animal puppets paired with live performances from Hawaii Symphony Orchestra musicians, choreography featuring Ballet Hawaii dancers alongside guest artists from New York City, and narration by acclaimed local actor Moses Goods.

Conley, a former principal harpist with the Houston Symphony, founded Ocean Music Action in 2021 to harness the power of the arts for environmental stewardship.

“Music brings us together, connects us emotionally, and can be a starting place for environmental action,” Conley said. “This project is celebrating the incredible diversity of our planet and all of these endangered animals that really need our care and attention.”

Corbino demonstrated a life-sized hawksbill sea turtle puppet operated by two people, explaining that the entire menagerie of animals was built with sustainability in mind.

Read more Need help after hurricanes Lowell or Lala? Hawaii expands disaster support services

“We have over 50 puppets in this production and they are larger than life, some of them are life-size,” Corbino said. “Something that’s special about them is that they’re all made from recycled materials. It’s made from cardboard, from paper. We have local puppeteers who are bringing these puppets to life.”

Conley added that the production is designed to be uplifting, giving audiences of all ages an emotional connection to nature.

“We hope that people will fall in love with these endangered animals and be inspired to help protect them and their habitats,” Conley said.

Performances will be held Friday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 p.m., followed by a family-friendly matinee on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 3 p.m.

Tickets start at $30, and organizers are offering the discount code MALAMA20 for 20% off all seats.

Read more Setter Adrianna Arquette embraces ‘dream’ role leading Rainbow Wahine offense

For tickets and more information, visit the Hawaii Theatre Center website.