Honolulu Theatre for Youth next month will present "Rap's Hawai'i," a series of sketches from the work of writer and performer Rap Reiplinger.

Directed by Harry S. Wong III, actors Kimo Kaona, Pomai Lopez and Charles Timtim will bring the Hawai'i comic's material to life on stage for a new generation — and for the first time since Reiplinger himself performed it more than two decades ago.

Presented in two acts, HTY's production is structured like a vaudeville show or, in Wong's words, "a local 'Saturday Night Live.'"

The common thread is Rap's observations on local life, which manage to poke fun with an affection at Hawai'i's cultures. They are as relevant today as they were in the 1970s. Skits include: "Chanting," "Mahalo Airlines," "Directory Assistance" and "Date-A-Tita."

Set and props for HTY's "Rap's Hawai'i" are designed by Mike Harada, costume design is by Samantha Fromm, and dramaturge is Lee Cataluna.

Shows are set for 7:30 p.m. March 7 and March 14, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. March 8 and March 15 at Tenney Theatre, St. Andrew's Cathedral. An American Sign Language-interpreted performance will be held at 4:30 p.m. March 8.

Tickets are $8 for children and $16 for adults; college students with ID and seniors age 60 and over are admitted for $8; active duty military receive one free child admission with the purchase of each regularly priced adult ticket. Tickets are $10/$20 for the March 7 opening night performance, which includes a post-show reception. Call the HTY box office at 839-9885.