Book by Lisa Matsumoto
Music & Lyrics by Roslyn

Produced by ‘Ohi'a Productions

From the creators of the
Once Upon One Time Trilogy and
The Princess and the Iso Peanut!
The award winning musical based on the
children's book "Wailana the Waterbug"

Directing Team: Lisa Matsumoto, Patrick Fujioka & Reiko Ho
Musical Direction by John Bryan
Choreography by Ka'ohi Yojo
Scenic Design by Joseph Dodd
Costume Design by Hugh Hanson
Lighting Design by Stephen Clear
Puppet Design by Michael Furuya
Musical Orchestrations by David Kauahikaua

Inspired by the life of Alana Dung, this moving story tells of a cheerful young waterbug named Wendy, who brings laughter and joy to all of Crystal Pond with her festive parades. In the midst of her success, Wendy learns she must embark on a journey to the world above where she transforms into a beautiful dragonfly. Adjusting to this new world proves to be challenging and difficult for Wendy. Fortunately, she is befriended by a dazzling array of amazing and delightful creatures who show her the wonders of the world above. By embracing her new dragonfly form, Wendy fulfills her dreams by leading spectacular parades in the sky, once again bringing laughter and joy to all!

On Dragonfly Wings and "Wailana the Waterbug" (the book from which it is adapted), was inspired by the story of little Alana Dung who had very little time on Earth, but made the most of what time she did have. Alana was just 3 ½ years old when fate stole her from the flesh and from her loved ones. Alana's fight with leukemia and her family's resolve to save her is a legend in the Islands with 30,788 people, the vast majority strangers, joining the Hawai'i Bone Marrow Donor Registry in a staggering effort to help one of Hawai'i's own. Today, Alana lives in the miracle of more than 50 perfect bone marrow matches worldwide and in the research foundation that bears her name.

'Ohi'a Productions is proud to once again share this moving story which offers an optimistic and inspirational outlook on the passage from life to death, providing understanding and comfort to those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. While there are no words that can fill such a great loss, the play's message reminds us that the spirit lives on. Using the metaphor of the waterbug's miraculous metamorphosis into a beautiful dragonfly, the play offers an alternate portrayal of death not as an end, but as a beginning.

Filled with inspiring songs, memorable characters and a spectacle of elaborate costumes, sets and puppets, On Dragonfly Wings warms the heart and touches the soul. It is a celebration of life and the human spirit, encouraging us to live each day to its fullest. It is also a tribute to Alana who will live forever in our hearts and memories as the courageous young girl who fulfilled her destiny of providing a legacy of hope, inspiration and life to others.