Hip-hop bunny opens new path in Maui’s children’s theater.The excited chatter and pitter-patter of a large group of children filled the cafeteria of Lihikai Elementary School in Kahului on the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 5. Everyone was anxious for the adventures of Farlington Rabbit to begin!
“This is my favorite part, right before, as kids are filing in,” said playwright/lyricist/lead Tom Althouse as he made final touches in his transformation into the furry Farlington. “Their anticipation and excitement is just awesome!”
Maui’s own stage connoisseur, Althouse, developed the new children’s theater company, Heart Tours, as a full production group performing original musicals with thoughtful themes to stimulate Hawai‘i’s youth.
“Our goal is to inspire with the arts,” said Althouse. Heart Tours provides educational arts to encourage children to “unlock their innate creativity into a world of wonder.”
Althouse’s passion is evident before, after and during each show. A gleaming smile spread across his face as he met with the actors before performing for the anxious Lihikai Surfers. “Let’s do this for the kids!”
Cheers and laughter ignited the room immediately as Farlington Reginald Rabbit scurried onto the stage—Althouse now on his knees that have become big, fuzzy feet. This hip-hop bunny sports a crooked cap, metallic chain, baggy clothes and a big attitude.
“I’m going to be really famous now, so I can’t hang out with you,” professes Farlington to his barnyard buddies.
The play focuses on imagination versus exaggeration and lessons on friendship over vanity with catchy, Broadway-style tunes that keep these kindergarten and first-graders giggling throughout the 45-minute play.
Althouse teamed up with seasoned composer Patrick Brown, a piano teacher at the Maui Music Conservatory, to create fun, yet powerful songs to captivate young minds.
“Children’s musicals take an enormous amount of energy to perform correctly, to keep the kids excited and teach them something as well,” said Althouse. “We put everything into each performance.”
To guarantee the most energetic performance, Hearts Tours only books one show per day and pledges to be on time, every time, or it’s free. “There was a past incident while I was doing children’s theatre and a show was doubled booked,” said Althouse. “I want to make sure a group of kids is never again left disappointed.”
“We have an amazing group of actors who can play dual roles, so it’s never an issue,” he said.
Heart Tours rotates a gifted pool of performers. When Althouse was choosing his cast of characters, he concentrated on working with actors who had unique talents, as well as a love for the kids.
“Many of our performers have their own families and we’ve even inspired some to have kids!” said Althouse.
During this show, Cyndi Mayo Davis plays the sweet little piglet Sniglet, and the nosey Narrator Mouse. She assists with the musical direction and recently auditioned for ABC’s Lost.
Althouse’s wife, Becca Lynn, takes on numerous duties as well—this performance fluttering around as silly Gargles the Goose and keeping it real as Moopatch the Cow. She also deals with the business aspect of the company and upkeeps the Website.
Max Reid oversees the sound and choreography as well as performing as Gargles, while company member John Ziegler acts and deals with technical design.
Althouse worked with director Lisa Teichner during their time at the Maui Academy of Performing Arts, and when he decided to branch off, she was more than happy to jump aboard.
“Tom has really developed a great organization,” said Teichner. “I love his plays, as they appeal to adults and kids alike with their serious messages.”
Heart Tours brings the magic to you with bright sets and adorable costumes while presenting life lessons. Farlington Rabbit is accepting reservations through December, already booking 19 shows. The cost is $4 per child or there is the Golden Ticket program, which gives each child the opportunity to share in the fun, providing free tickets for those with special circumstances.
“We give undivided courtesy to the teachers and kids alike,” said Teichner. “We strive to provide a fun yet professional atmosphere.”
Althouse is currently working on three new scripts for future Heart Tours’ adventures and would love to do Bible stories. “We are all so excited about the response we have received as well as the great future ahead of us,” said Althouse.
Heart Tours also provides educational packets to teachers and offers to work with classrooms through a variety of programs, including games, acting classes and full production courses, up to the fifth grade level.
“We are dedicated to providing quality, educational yet heartfelt programming that motivates,” said Althouse.
A sea of questions ensued from the swarm of blue-shirted groupies that rushed the stage after the show, looking for Farlington. “Are you real actors?” “Can I touch your tail?” “Where’s that little mouse guy?”
“This just never gets old,” said Althouse.
For more information, contact Heart Tours at (808) 276-0662 or visit www.heart-tours.com.