November 2025 — This holiday season, Diamond Head Theatre presents the world premiere of Piney Needlesmith and the Road Less Traveled, an original family-friendly musical. Running November 21 through December 13, the show blends humor, heart, and holiday magic into an adventure for audiences of all ages. Long before Piney and her Band of Buddies stepped onto the stage, the musical began with a serendipitous meeting, a spontaneous plane ticket, and two composers whose creative chemistry sparked something special.
Co-creators Peter Seibert and Roslyn “Roz” Catracchia first met at a composers’ conference in Los Angeles. Sitting next to each other, they started chatting; Roz mentioned she lived in Hawaii, and Peter revealed he had bought a ticket to Hawaii less than an hour earlier simply because he loved visiting. They planned to meet when he arrived. Over lunch in Honolulu, they exchanged ideas about songwriting and collaboration. Roz was looking for a new writing partner, and Peter had time, so they began writing together “just to see.” A quirky pine tree with big questions soon emerged, and Piney Needlesmith and the Road Less Traveled began to form.
The musical follows Piney, a misfit pine tree who realizes she doesn’t belong in the North Pole. Surrounded by traditions that don’t feel like hers, she wonders if there’s something more. With help from a charismatic polar bear and a lovable Band of Buddies including Fran the Snow Squirrel, Trevor the Knitter, Madison the Artist, a Scotsman named Angus, and a Yeti, Piney sets out to discover her place in the world. Along the Road Less Traveled, they embark on a mission to save little Tim’s Christmas, discovering friendship, belonging and courage. The show celebrates the beauty of being different and the magic that happens when misfits team up.
Roz Catracchia, a longtime Diamond Head Theatre musical director, has shaped Hawaii’s performing arts community for decades. A two-time Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominee and Po‘okela Award winner, she has composed works beloved across the islands, including Lisa Matsumoto’s Once Upon One Time trilogy. Peter Seibert brings a cinematic background, with credits on films such as Captain Marvel, Thor: Ragnarok, and the Hotel Transylvania series, as well as video games like Apex Legends and Ratchet & Clank. Their combined talents give the show both local warmth and Hollywood scope.
Initially intended as a short 20-minute orchestral Christmas piece, the project expanded quickly as Roz and Peter developed new characters and songs. When Diamond Head Theatre embraced the idea of producing a world premiere, the piece evolved into a full musical. For Roz, the joy has been discovering each character’s voice and watching actors bring them to life. Peter loves the surprises that emerge in rehearsal when ideas leap off the page. Both writers hope the show makes audiences laugh, feel connected, and embrace the message that good things happen when people come together.
Piney Needlesmith and the Road Less Traveled highlights the strength of Hawaii’s artistic talent. The production is directed by Joseph Morales, choreographed by Chandler Converse, and musically directed by Peter Seibert and Roz Catracchia. The cast features Vanessa Manuel Mazzullo as Piney Needlesmith, David Sheftell as Angus, Moku Durant as Frederick the Polar Bear, Chandler Converse as Fran the Snow Squirrel, Garrett Hols as Harry the Yeti, Maleko McDonnell as Santa, Aiko Schick as Jingle, Chad Navarro as Jangle, Jiayu Li as Nigel, Leslie Goldman as Agatha, Sam Budd as Trevor, Alexandria Zinov as Madison, Tim as Adult Tim, and Shannon Winpenny as Barb the Party Planner. The ensemble includes Madison Abe-Revera, Mazzy Meers, Relle Reavis, Sage Nguyen, Cayden Park, Cassidy Ross, Samuel Tafolo, Sammy Houghtailing, Kindle Johnson, Aya Rose Fujioka, Saea Hikila, Michael Abdo, Jasmine Weldon, and Trent Yamagata. With music arranged for an 11-piece orchestra, Piney’s world is both grand and endearing. To see more of Diamond Head Theatre's own talent visit the accompanying YouTube page.
At its heart, Piney Needlesmith and the Road Less Traveled is a story about finding your people, following your heart, and having the courage to take an unexpected path. It is a celebration of community, creativity, and the spirit of the season. This Christmas, Piney and her Band of Buddies invite audiences to join them on the Road Less Traveled and experience a holiday adventure unlike any other. Tickets are available here. Don't wait, this is a must see show for the holiday season.
