CusickGallery.net: Henry Ian Cusick

Sparkle the Play was a great success throughout the month of August at Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival. The show, inspired by Lucas Cusick, written and developed by Annie Cusick Wood, with Karen Tennent’s design, traveled from Hawaii Theatre for Youth (HTY) to be part of this annual festival. Ian produced the show, so it was truly a family project.

The festival was promoted by some fabulous photos and videos, included these of Lucas, casting his colors on Edinburgh.

The show garnered excellent reviews:

“Sparkle is a beautiful and important play for children aged three to eight. Originally created by its director Annie Cusick Wood for the Honolulu Theatre for Youth in Hawaii, this Edinburgh Fringe production is supported by leading Scottish children’s theatre company Catherine Wheels.

The piece is performed delightfully by Christina Uyeno (as the neatly ambiguous Kokua – which means “helper” in Hawaiian) and Nathaniel Niemi (playing David Johnstone, aka “Sparkle”, a child who is just beginning his school life). Sparkle, as his name suggests, isn’t exactly cut out for school uniform or, for that matter, uniform notions of gender.

As he tells his sparkly-attired pet caterpillar, Gerald, he just wants to perform his show for his classmates. What ensues is a gorgeously simple, touching, splendidly staged story of macho bullying, friendship and triumph over adversity.” The National Scot

The show had some very special visitors. Our own Kathy (CG admin) was joined by HIC uberfan Sue, to see the play and support Annie and Lucas in this special endeavor. The “Be Sparkly” shirts were a gift from Kathy to the group. CusickGallery is so happy and proud of the great work and success of this important and inspiring show!!

From the Sparkle the Play trailer: