Berkely Playhouse KidStage Set for HONK! JR June 2-3 - Dane Paul Andres Directs

Berkeley Playhouse has announced its next KidStage production, HONK! JR. Based on the Olivier award- winning production of Honk!, this retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling is a bright musical comedy for all ages, full of humor, charm, and a message of tolerance. The show runs Saturday, June 2, 2pm and 7pm; Sunday, June 3, 12pm and 5pm at the Julia Morgan Theatre, 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley.

HONK! JR tells the story of Ugly, whose odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice and make him a pariah with his barnyard family and neighbors. Separated from The Farm, and his loving mother, and pursued by a wily Cat who wants to eat him, Ugly must find his own way in the world, and his way back home. Along the way, he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, but finds love and acceptance. HONK! JR reminds us that being different isn't necessarily bad, although it isn't always easy.

Dane Paul Andres directs HONK! JR, with music direction by Nicki Adams and assistant direction by William Hodgson, who was recently featured in the Berkeley Playhouse main stage production of Lucky Duck. The production features performances by 21 young actors enrolled in the Berkeley Playhouse KidStage program (grades 3-6), a performance section of the Youth Conservatory.

Nominated for eight and winner of five BATCC Awards for 2011, Berkeley Playhouse was founded by actor, director, and teacher for over 20 years, Elizabeth McKoy. Under the artistic guidance of McKoy, and Managing Director Lauren Hewitt, Berkeley Playhouse is a professional theater for all ages that presents a season of year-round musicals, providing children and families with unique and sophisticated musical theater experiences. In addition, Berkeley Playhouse has a music theater conservatory which offers a range of educational instruction classes in music performance skills. In 2009, Berkeley Playhouse made its permanent performance home at the historic Julia Morgan Theatre in Berkeley.

For tickets ($20 Adults, $15 Youth) and more information, visit berkeleyplayhouse.org or call 510-845-8542x351