Waipio’s Uyeno Stars In ‘Where The Mountain Meets The Moon’

(clockwise from front, center) Waipio Gentry’s Christina Uyeno, Junior Tesoro, Alvin Chan, Maile Holck and Matthew Mazzella star in HTY’s ‘Where the Mountain Meets the Moon,’ opening April 10 at Tenney Theatre. Photo by Brad Goda.

Honolulu Theatre for Youth brings author Grace Lin’s Where the Mountain Meets the Moon to life on stage April 10 at The Cathedral of St. Andrew’s Tenney Theatre.

The story follows young Minli (played by Waipio Gentry’s Christina Uyeno), who wants to change her family’s fortune by finding the Old Man of the Moon.

On her Wizard of Oz-like journey, she encounters mystical creatures, including a dragon.

“My favorite part of the story would have to be when she meets the dragon for the first time,” said Pearl City High grad Uyeno.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon has a small, but extraordinary cast, including Uyeno, Alvin Chan, Maile Holck, Junior Tesoro and Matthew Mazzella, directed by Eric Johnson.

“It’s just me and a few other actors,” said Uyeno. “I just play that one character (Minli) who goes on this journey, but all the other actors play these million other roles that come together to create this whole world that Minli is in.

“They challenge me, and they work really hard.”

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a Newberry Honor book that also appeared on the New York Times Best Sellers list.

Showtimes are April 10 at 7:30 p.m., and April 11, 18 and 25 and May 9 at 4:30 p.m.

A special ASL/sensory-friendly performance is offered April 25 at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for youths age 2-17, and are available by calling 839-9885 or online at htyweb.org.