Honk! Jr.
29 Kids 20 and under Waddle onto Kingsbury Hall’s Stage to Perform in Charming Tale
What: Honk! Jr.
Book and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe
Music by George Stiles
Based on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling"
Directed and choreographed by Penelope Caywood
Musical Direction by Darrin Doman
November 15- 17, 2007
Kingsbury Hall
As a part of the Youth Theatre at the U program, Kingsbury Hall presents the charming tale of Honk! Jr. for audiences of all ages. Honk! Jr is part of the “The Broadway Junior Collection®,” a division of Music Theatre International that abridges classic Broadway musicals into special editions for ages 8-14 to perform.
Honk! by George Stiles (composer) and Anthony Drewe (books and lyrics) was “plucked” as the 2000 Olivier award’s “Best New Musical.” A contemporary comic adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s THE UGLY DUCKLING, Honk! Jr. follows “Ugly,” whose odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. Separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry Cat, Ugly must find his way home, with only his loving mother “Ida” searching for him. Along his harrowing yet hilarious journey he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, but also finds love and acceptance in all its forms. The musical is so inspirational in its message of acceptance and tolerance that the Ministry of Education in Israel has made it compulsory viewing for school children.
Honk! Jr. is directed and choreographed by Penelope Caywood who is Youth Theatre at the U’s Artistic Director, with musical direction by Darrin Doman. “Singing, dancing, acting, and character work are all part of the rehearsal process,” said Penelope Caywood. “Strong friendships are formed, and young actors practice the values of cooperation, teamwork, and problem-solving. This classic story celebrates the ugly duckling in all of us in a beautiful way. The musical reminds us to accept and celebrate the differences that make us all special.”
Featuring 24 kids age 8-19, as well as 4 additional kids age 4-7 as the Tadpoles, the ensemble cast is a part of Youth Theatre at the U’s program which teaches young people to communicate, collaborate, create and celebrate by experiencing, hands on, the theatre arts. In the classroom and in rehearsal, students learn valuable principles, techniques, and skills that help them grow by learning life and behavioral skills – ranging from communication, collaboration and time management to creativity, imagination and confidence – from the experience of participating in a musical theatre production.