Area residents will flock to Good Company Theater’s production of HONK! JR., a contemporary and comic re-telling of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Ugly Duckling. Based on the award-winning musical HONK! by George Stiles (composer) and Anthony Drewe (book and lyrics), HONK! JR. is a witty and heartwarming show celebrating what makes each of us special.
Now, more than ever, we need to spread the message of being kind. Plucked as the 2000 Olivier Award’s Best New Musical, HONK! is so inspirational in its message of acceptance and tolerance that the Ministry of Education in Israel made it compulsory viewing for school children.
HONK! JR. follows Ugly, who hatches looking quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice, and despite his loving mother’s protective flapping, Ugly’s odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. When Ugly is separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry cat, he must find his way home. 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.
This incredibly clever show will have you laughing out loud, yet at the center of its humor is a touching message about acceptance. We’d like to applaud the students in Good Company Theater’s production—by working as a part of the cast and crew, each young person has been able to explore what makes him or her unique. The cast is made of up students from Granby, Simsbury, East Granby and Westfield, ages 5 to 17.
HONK! JR. hatches at Good Company Theater on Nov. 30 (7 p.m.), Dec. 1 (2 and 7 p.m.), and Dec. 2 (2 p.m.) in its performance space at the South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook Street. Tickets are $12.50 in advance (all ages, general admission) or $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online through EventBrite, on the theater’s website (GoodCompanyTheaterCT.org), or in person at the Granby Pharmacy.
HONK! JR. is presented through special arrangement with, and all authorized materials are supplied by, Music Theatre International, New York.