A cast of 30 children are featured in the new Maui OnStage Education & Youth Program’s production. Courtesy photo

With a cast of 30 children dancing, singing and acting, the Maui OnStage Education & Youth Program will present “The Most Epic Birthday Party EVER,” which opens Saturday at the Iao Theater.

“It’s only about 45 minutes long, so it’s perfect for all ages because it’s not too long,” said Jessica Nelson, the show’s co-director. “It keeps their attention span, and there’s a lot going on.”

As the title suggests, the events surround a birthday party for Skyler, a girl who is about to turn 12 years old. But in the middle of the party, something mysterious happens.

“She has been planning this for a long time,” Nelson explained. “She’s super excited and invited every kid in town. And half through the party, something happens. They get locked in the backyard and all the adults disappear.”

In steps Skyler’s bossy older brother, Charlie, who tries to control the kids, and conflict ensues.

“They have to figure out what they are going to do and they’re super excited,” Nelson continued. “But then the food starts to run out, and they appoint a leader, Skylar’s brother. Charlie starts demanding things from the people running his country of Charlandia. Then Skylar begins her own country, and the two countries come head to head. It’s kind of like a ‘Lord of the Flies’ type of situation.”

William Golding’s classic 1954 novel depicted a group of British schoolboys who descend into savagery after being stranded on a deserted island following a plane crash.

With the music, lyrics and book by Denver Casado and Betina Hershey, is “The Most Epic Birthday Party EVER” symbolic of our time?

“I would think so,” said Nelson. “Even though it was written quite a few years ago, as we go through society, this is what it’s like.”

Fortunately, peace finally reigns.

“Charlie realizes what he’s done and asks for forgiveness,” said Nelson. “They realize their relationship is more important than who’s actually running the country.” So the takeaway message is “appreciate those around you.”

The show is a big hit with the young cast.

“They were very excited to be on our actual set in the theater,” said Nelson. “Being in the show, they understand that it’s a privilege that we have the ability to perform at the theater. And our set designer, Morgan Wittmer, has done an amazing job turning the stage into an amazing backyard.”

“‘The Most Epic Birthday Party EVER’ is unlike any musical we’ve ever released,” said Casado. “It combines the average backyard birthday party with the storytelling, events and music of an epic major motion picture. Combine this with hilarious over-the-top characters and a heart-warming message of family appreciation, and you’ve got a perfect show for young actors.”

Co-directed by Tina Kailiponi with music direction by Ashton Yarbrough, the Education & Youth Program has combined the birthday party theme with a gift collection to benefit kids in the community.

“It’s going to be a toy drive for the Children’s Justice Center and the homeless shelter,” said Nelson. “People can bring new toys, and there’s a list of gift cards on our website for the older ones, the teenagers. We’ll be collecting those before each show, and then distributing them between the justice center and the homeless shelter.”

The Maui Onstage Education and Youth Program is designed to provide youth with theatrical experiences that fosters creative and critical thinking skills, develops leadership, builds self-confidence and teaches teamwork in a supportive and safe environment.

“We try to teach our kids not just the stage stuff, but also being a part of our community as well,” said Nelson.

“The Most Epic Birthday Party EVER” will start at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and May 2 and 3. Tickets are $10 at mauionstage.com. It’s sponsored by the Wave of Harmony Foundation.