If you’ve ever felt like everyone else says “quack” and you say “honk,” come on down to the “barnyard” on stage at the Voorhees Schools Theater, for the Voorhees Theatre Company’s (VTC’s) production of “HONK!”
Witty, deeply touching and fun for all ages, this musical version of the “The Ugly Duckling” has been delighting audiences since 1993 and won the Olivier Award in 2000 for best new musical, beating both “The Lion King” and “Mamma Mia.: The show has been seen in over 8000 different productions around the world, winning many awards along the way. The VTC’s full-scale production features a cast of young people from Voorhees, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Berlin and other surrounding communities, accompanied by a live orchestra.
“HONK!” is the story of 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. Along his rollicking and harrowing journey he not only discovers his true beauty but finds love and acceptance in all its forms. At a time when incidents of bullying and intolerance appear increasingly in the news, Honk!’s themes of acceptance, compassion, and understanding are timely reminders that being different is something to be celebrated.
“Honk!” will be performed at the Voorhees School Theater in the Voorhees Middle School on Friday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m. The school is located on 1000 Holly Oak Drive, Voorhees. Tickets are $12 and are available at the door one hour or less prior to show time (cash or check only) or by visiting www.voorheestheatre.org (a check or credit card may be used online. A $1 per ticket Paypal fee is charged). The box office will be open for advanced ticket purchases starting Oct. 14 on Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m., and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. All seats are reserved. Group rates are available by calling the box office at (856) 206–3554.
“HONK!” is directed and choreographed by Sandi Makofsky, with vocal direction by Michael Makofsky, musical direction by Jim Sheffer, set design by Tom Weaver, and technical direction by Matthew Browne.
As a community service project for the “HONK!” production, VTC’s youth advisory board will collect donations and promote the work of Heifer Project International, which works to end world hunger and poverty by providing sustainable gifts of livestock and agricultural training to people struggling for food and income.
The VTC is a non-profit community theater organization providing opportunities for young people to experience theater as performers, technicians, managers and audience members.
“HONK!” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
