StoryBook Theatre to Present HONK! A MUSICAL TALE OF THE UGLY DUCKLING

StoryBook Theatre is inviting audiences of all ages to their presentation of Honk! A Musical Tale of the Ugly Duckling, onstage from October 13 - November 4, 2023, as part of their Season to be Extraordinary.

Adapted from Hans Christian Andersen's 1843 classic story "The Ugly Duckling," HONK! reimagines the fable through catchy songs, energetic dance, and a little tongue-in-cheek humour. It's one of those rare shows that will entertain kids as young as three while being multi-layered and nuanced enough to be genuinely enjoyable for adults, and everyone in between.

"When programming for StoryBook, it's important to me that we produce shows that don't talk down to our younger audiences, but that also appeal to the adults who bring them to the theatre," says Artistic Producer, JP Thibodeau. "HONK! has that perfect balance of being able to hold kids' attention while cleverly weaving in witty wordplay and smart storytelling that will have older audience members laughing and smiling. It's also quite moving - sadly, we can all relate to the effects of bullying and loneliness. This show is a positive reminder to celebrate what is beautiful in everyone."

George Stiles and Anthony Drewe's musical version expands on the original premise, introducing a flock of young ducklings. One of them, named Ugly, is noticeably different from the others. While his mother lovingly protects him, his siblings and other barnyard animals mock the unfortunate little hatchling. Feeling isolated and rejected, Ugly is lured away by a cunning Cat who hopes to have him for lunch. Ugly cleverly gets away from Cat, but not before he's hopelessly lost and feeling more alone than ever before. On his journey to find his way, he meets a delightful cast of characters who help him not only find his way back home but to also believe in himself. It's a story that will especially resonate today - that regardless of our differences, all deserve acceptance. And, that we all hope to experience some love and laughter along the way.

HONK! A Musical Tale of the Ugly Duckling runs from October 13 - November 4, 2023,
at the Beddington Theatre Arts Centre (375 Bermuda Drive NW). Suitable for ages 3 and up.
Tickets are available at www.storybooktheatre.org or by calling 403-216-0808.

Audience Considerations: Recommended for ages 3+

HONK! A MUSICAL TALE OF THE UGLY DUCKING: Music by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles, book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles, adapted from the book "THE UGLY DUCKLING" by Hans Christian Andersen. Presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

CAST
Ugly - Alex Bergen
Ida - Joanna Murphy
Cat - Ethan Vasquez Taylor
Drake/Farmer - Kirk Schmidt
Turkey/Greylag Camera Op/Father Swan - David Kampel
Grace/Dot - Jacqueline Gibney
Maureen/Mother Swan - Paige Belisle
Henrietta/Penny/Maggie Pie/Queenie - Annika Keatley
Beaky/Bullfrog - Hayoung Chun
Fluff/Snowy - Ceilidh MacDonald
Billy/Barnacles/Berwick - Promona Swati
Downey/Pinkfoot/Lowbutt - Lindsay Holt

STAGE & PRODUCTION TEAM
Artistic Producer - JP Thibodeau
Director - Elizabeth Stepkowski Tarhan
Music Director - RéJean Campbell
Choreographer - Gregory Pember
Stage Manager - Charlotte Braid
Assistant Stage Manager - Maya Lakhu
Assistant Stage Manager - Brady Hillman
Set Designer - DeNeane Osmond
Master Set Builder - Joshua Bailey
Wardrobe Designer - Darcie Howe
Wardrobe Assistant - Tammy Vanderbeek
Makeup Designer - Melody Kielek
Hair Designer - Cat Bentley
Lighting Designer - Skye Grinde
Properties Master - Cassie Holme
Sound Designer and Programmer - Ross Wilson
Sound Operator - Paul Davies
Sound Operator - Aretha Smith

About StoryBook Theatre Society:

In our 47 years of serving Calgary, StoryBook Theatre has fostered over one million people's love and passion for theatre arts. We are Canada's largest volunteer-driven Theatre for Young Audiences and families, performing from our home in the Beddington Theatre Arts Centre. We bring stories to life that encourage children and their families to dream about who they are and may become, explore ideas from different perspectives, think using inductive reasoning, and make stronger connections to others. Each season, we bring together some of the industry's brightest emerging talents both on and off the stage to create accessible theatre for the whole family.

www.storybooktheatre.org
Twitter/Instagram/Facebook: @StoryBookYYC

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