Discover a world of imagination, where music, movement, and art reveal the beauty and wonder of some of our planet’s most extraordinary animals. Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals is a visually captivating, multidisciplinary performance celebrating some of the planet’s most rare and remarkable creatures. Through a seamless blend of live music, dance, and larger-than-life puppetry, audiences are invited on an unforgettable journey into the beauty of the natural world. Presented by Ocean Music Action in partnership with Hawaiʻi Theatre Center, this World Premiere performance features newly commissioned choreography by Dance Heginbotham with dancers of Ballet Hawaiʻi, performed alongside an evocative live musical score. Large-scale animal puppetry by Obie Award–winning puppeteer Greg Corbino brings each creature to life with striking detail and expressive storytelling. Original poetry by local students is woven throughout the performance, offering a poignant reflection on connection, care, and our shared responsibility for the future of these animals. Bringing together internationally recognized artists and leading local creatives, Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals is a feast for the senses and a powerful call to action— an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. Friday Evening ticket holders: We invite you to join us in the theatre at 6:30 PM for a pre-performance talk featuring local experts who will share insights about the featured animals. Saturday Afternoon ticket holders: Join us in the theatre lobby beginning at 2:00 PM for an instrument petting zoo and hands-on art-making experience, designed to enrich keiki’s connection to the music and animals.