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The Great Race at Samueli Theater
End Date: February 1, 2026
Start Time: Various
End Time: Various
Samueli Theater, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA
2026-01-31
2026-02-01
America/Los_Angeles
The Great Race at Samueli Theater
Join our characters, Po Po and Kung Kung, as they celebrate Chinese New Year by making dumplings and sharing the story of The Great Race with their grandkids, Freddie and Ivy. The show weaves a family celebration with a re-telling of one of the most beloved tales in Chinese folklore - the origin story of the Chinese Zodiac. When the Jade Emperor needs a way to tell time, he decrees that there will be a Great Race. The first twelve animals to cross the mighty river will have a year named after them. This 12-year cycle will mark the passage of time. Which animals win the race? What are the traits that help them cross the river? Why do the Rat and Cat become enemies? Learn how each animal earned its place in the Chinese Zodiac through this new performance from Honolulu Theatre for Youth, featuring a cast of four, traditional Chinese music, Jingju, and martial arts, and a whole lot of fun!
Samueli Theater
Event Description
Join our characters, Po Po and Kung Kung, as they celebrate Chinese New Year by making dumplings and sharing the story of The Great Race with their grandkids, Freddie and Ivy. The show weaves a family celebration with a re-telling of one of the most beloved tales in Chinese folklore - the origin story of the Chinese Zodiac. When the Jade Emperor needs a way to tell time, he decrees that there will be a Great Race. The first twelve animals to cross the mighty river will have a year named after them. This 12-year cycle will mark the passage of time. Which animals win the race? What are the traits that help them cross the river? Why do the Rat and Cat become enemies? Learn how each animal earned its place in the Chinese Zodiac through this new performance from Honolulu Theatre for Youth, featuring a cast of four, traditional Chinese music, Jingju, and martial arts, and a whole lot of fun!
