SHERRY BROWN / Tulsa World
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| Turkey (Ashley Bennett, left) and Maureen (Audra Miller) share gossip in Clark Theater’s production of “Honk Jr.” SHERRY BROWN / Tulsa World |
Sure, you've heard this appeal before -- perhaps from your child's school -- but here we go again: Yes, this play is based on a children's tale, but it has something to offer for adults, too.
In the case of Clark Theater's production of "Honk Jr." there seems to be substantial evidence that this is the case. This modern musical comedy based on "The Ugly Duckling" won the British Olivier Award as best new musical in 2000, topping competition that included Broadway powerhouse "The Lion King."
"It was written for an adult audience, not for a youth audience," said Frank Gallagher, who's directing Clark's production which plays Thursday-Sunday.
"It's perfect for children, but it will charm and surprise adults. The score is filled with clever lyrics, rich melodies and unexpected emotions. There are some references that only grown-ups are going to get, but the real appeal is the innocence of the show, its very sweet approach to life.
"And everyone can appreciate the underlying message of accepting our differences, being someone who wants to fit in and wants to be liked. We all feel that way sometimes."
"Honk Jr." tells the story of Ugly, an "aesthetically challenged" duckling, and his struggles for acceptance in a world that tends to judge by outward appearances.
With no one to love him but his mother, Ugly survives teasing by his brothers and sisters, escapes the claws of a hungry predator and finally finds his true self.
The delightful tale celebrates individuality and love of family, and it expands Hans Christian Andersen's story to include a variety of comic barnyard characters, including a bullfrog who plays vaudeville and a cat who prefers his ducklings "a l'orange."
The cast includes Brandon Beaver, Rebecca Blackmore, Valerie Carpenter, Grant Carpenter, Audra Miller, Deanna Mancino, Nathan Robertson, Lindsey Wells, Lara Cochran, Tabitha Littlefield, Martin Blackmore, Kandyce Moore, Katie Sherwin, Rebecca Sparks, Shivani Kaul, Ashley Bennett, Kaitlyn Frye, Kelsey Cooper, Alyson Frye, Robert Reedy, Prava Kaul and Jon DiCandeloro.
Gallagher's crew includes Joyce Shanks as musical director, choreographer Nancy Fields, costume designer Genie Reiman and costumer Jan Hodges.
Performances of "Honk Jr." are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Clark Theater, 11440 E. Admiral Place. Tickets may be reserved by calling 669-6455.
Michael Smith 581-8334
michael.smith@tulsaworld.com
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