A production of "Nightingale" marks the beginning of Honolulu Theatre for Youth's 2009-2010 season, with the adaptation of the Chinese folk tale enhanced by costumes and choreography from Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre artistic director Cheryl Flaharty.

"Nightingale" is adapted from a children's story about a plain little bird with a song wondrous enough to save an emperor. Combined with Flaharty's spectacular costumes and dance numbers, the play's fantastic design is meant to dazzle children 4 and older.

The play features actors Junior Tesoro, Moses Goods, Maile Holck and Jason Quinn, but even the audience gets into the action, at one point becoming the Imperial Orchestra of China.

The play runs through Oct. 3 at Tenney Theatre, with a performance at 4:30 p.m. today and subsequent Saturdays. Tickets are $8 for children and folks older than 60, $16 for adults, and active-duty military can receive one free child's ticket for each regularly priced adult admission.

Call the HTY box office at 839-9885 for tickets or information or visit www.hty.org.