Explore a beloved folktale retold in a vibrant cultural display for the whole family! Celebrate Chinese New Year at Segerstrom Center for the arts with The Great Race.
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Introducing The Great Race
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts Family Series continues with The Great Race, a new performance from Honolulu Theater for Youth that brings culture, storytelling, and tradition to life on stage. 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. Through playful moments of imagination, generations come together to pass down a cherished legend. Perfect for ages 4–9, this show weaves a family celebration with a vibrant re-telling of one of the most beloved tales in Chinese folklore—the origin story of the Chinese Zodiac.
Finding their place in time
As Freddie and Ivy get ready to celebrate Chinese New Year, they begin to wonder how the Chinese zodiac calendar came to be and how the animal symbols were chosen. Eager to learn, they turn to their grandparents for answers, and Po Po and Kung Kung share the story of The Great Race—the folktale origin of the Chinese Zodiac. When the Jade Emperor needs a way to tell time, he decrees that a grand race will be held across a mighty river to determine the order of the animals in the zodiac. Some animals rely on their sheer strength to cross, others use clever trickery, and some struggle to keep up. Through vivid storytelling, the children discover how each of the twelve zodiac signs earned its own special place in time.
The Year of the Horse
Did you know that 2026 marks the Year of the Horse? If you were born in 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, or 1930, you were born under this spirited sign. In the Chinese zodiac, each year is also associated with one of five elements, with 2026 being the Year of the Fire Horse: a time often linked to energy, ambition, and strong social momentum. Want to know where the Horse placed in the Great Race? Wondering how the other animals crossed the river, why the rat and cat became enemies, and who ultimately wins the race? Find out in The Great Race from Honolulu Theatre for Youth, a colorful celebration of culture and tradition featuring a cast of four, traditional Chinese music, Jingju, martial arts, and a whole lot of fun.
See The Great Race on stage at Samueli Theater from January 31 to February 1. Get your tickets now at scfta.org!
Spring into Family Series
Looking for more fun activities for your family in the new year? Segerstrom Center brings the best of professional youth performance to Orange County. Create lasting memories and spark a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts in your family. See the Family Series page on our website to learn more about future shows, pre-show engagements, sensory-friendly/relaxed performances, and more!
www.scfta.org/shows-events/family-landing
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