2015/80 Hawaii young casts to perform musical about Hiroshima girl tragedy in exuberant mood, Sept 18, 19

A Hiroshima atomic bombing theme musical is performed by children cast from Hawaii. (Courtesy of Ohana Arts Festival and School, Oafu, Hawaii)

In connection with International Peace Day (September 21) commemorating the bombings at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Ohana Arts Festival and School in Oahu, Hawaii, and the Japanese Cultural and Community Center in Los Angeles, in partnership with Helen Bing, present the North American premiere of the new musical Peace on Your Wings on Sept. 18 at 8:00 pm and Sept. 19 at 2:00 and 8:00 pm at Aratani Theatre in Little Tokyo.

The show is inspired by the real-life story of Sadako Sasaki, a young Japanese girl who survived the atomic bombings only to develop leukemia. She became an international symbol for peace through her quest to fold a thousand paper cranes in hopes of having her wish for good health come true. The Broadway-caliber musical features an all youth cast, ages six-18 from the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Tickets are $35 and $25 for reserved seating; $15 for students 17 and under. For tickets, visit www.jaccc.org

Peace on Your Wings is created by Jennifer Taira, founder of Ohana Arts; Carolyn Taira, director of the Hongwanji Mission School Performing Theater; Laurie Rubin, opera singer; and Danielle Hannah Bensky, New York based choreographer.

The musical premiered on Oahu in November 2014, and enjoyed a sold out state-wide tour in January and February, 2015.

After its Los Angeles performances the musical will travel to Washington, D.C. and New York City before heading to Japan for a four-city tour in July and August 2016.  www.ohanaarts.org