The Great Race

The Story of the Chinese Zodiac

by Reiko Ho

First produced at Honolulu Theatre for Youth.

Child's Play @ Theatre III in cooperation with the Acton Chinese Language School

June 2026

Learn how each animal earned its place in the Chinese Zodiac by taking part in The Great Race. Which animals win the race? Why do the Rat and Cat become enemies? This re-telling of one of the most beloved tales in Chinese folklore features traditional Chinese music, Jingju and martial arts.

The Great Race centers around grandparents who are teaching their grandchildren about the Chinese New Year while they make dumplings together. The script incorporates Beijing Opera, Chinese martial arts, and Lion Dance into a re-telling of the origin story of the Chinese Zodiac.

Creative Team

Child's Play Coordinator - Ruth Bendig

Staffing to be announced