May 3, 2001

Contact: Leslee Caul (509) 963-1760

Ellensburg, WA - The Central Washington University theatre arts Youth Theatre Tour production of “The Honorable Urashima Taro” will return to Ellensburg for one final encore performance Saturday, May 5, at 7 p.m. in McConnell Auditorium.

Urashima Taro sees a gang of boys beating a sea turtle. When Taro saves the turtle he is escorted to the bottom of the sea to meet the Sea Princess. There, he learns that the creatures of the sea kingdom are being tormented by a Sea Scorpion. Taro battles the monster and wins. Though he enjoys his life of timeless luxury under the sea, he decides to return to his home. Once back on land he discovers that his wife has long since died and his son is an old man with a son of his own. Taro must decide which is more important: his duty to his family or eternal youth.

Written by Coleman A. Jennings, the play is directed by CWU theatre arts professor James Hawkins, who also serves as costume and puppet designer for the production. Hawkins has designed a host of colorful and magical puppets that make up the residents of the sea. Derek Lane, the newest member of the CWU theatre faculty, has designed an ornate set, which both captures the colorful beauty of the Orient and the magic of an undersea kingdom.

“The Honorable Urashima Taro” also marks Hawkins last production as a member of the CWU faculty, as he is retiring in June.

Tickets are available at the Tower Theatre box office, open weekdays noon to 5 p.m., or by phone, with a VISA or MasterCard, at (509) 963-1774. They will also be on sale at the door one hour prior to each performance. Prices are $5 per seat or 3 tickets for $10.

For more information, of for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1774, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-3323.

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