In Brief: January 30

Award-winning ‘Honk!’ finds its way to BGSU Firelands stage

The competition team at Caryl Crane Youth Theatre (CCYT) will present the musical “Honk!” Feb. 2-5. Winner of the 2000 Olivier award for Best Musical, “Honk!” is a contemporary comic adaptation, by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling.” “Honk!” 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 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.

The 36 students in “Honk!,” ages 8-18, represented CCYT at the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta Jan. 13-16.  During the weekend-long celebration of youth in musical theatre, CCYT, along with 111 other youth theatres throughout the country, presented a 15-minute sampling of “Honk!” to a panel of distinguished theatre professionals. The Caryl Crane troupe returned home with two awards, Best Music and Best Actress for Gracie Keener.

Performances of “Honk!” are at 7 p.m. Feb. 2; at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3; and at 2 p.m. Feb. 4 and 5 in the McBride Auditorium on the BGSU Firelands Huron campus. Tickets range from $6-$12, and can be purchased now by calling 419-626-1950, or ordering online.

“Honk!” is rated G, appropriate for ages 3 and up.