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The Blue Cast of SAYT's Honk Jr! has landed at the Lake Superior Boathouse theatre.
This cast, made up with new and familiar faces to the Marquette stage, tells the Hans Christian Anderson tale of the Ugly Duckling, and man, are they adorable doing it! Even though the story itself seems to be intended for younger audiences, the themes are universal.
The lead role of Ugly this time around is performed with the exuberance and childlike wonder of Luna Cookingham. Not only does she sing her heart out, her energy is commanding as she shows her very obvious talent as the loveable cygnet. Ida, Ugly's mother, is played by Ellia Marquardson, who delivered her lines and songs with heart and soul.
The four other ducklings (Rorie Johnson, Madeline Rowe, Weston Kemppainen, and Alexandra Javi) tease Ugly for being different, asking why they must have him as a brother. After finding himself separated from his family, Ugly befriends the Cat (Jack Johnson) who only has one thing on his mind. Making Ugly his lunch. Will Ugly overcome the obstacles before him and make it home safe and sound? Will he finally be accepted?
A treat to watch, these youth performers know how to quack you up. From Lukas Barron's antics as the ducklings father, Drake, to the natural comedic instincts of Jack Johnson as the Cat, you will be laughing right along. Lucas Parkkonen stood out in his role of Greylag and the ensemble of barnyard animals rounded out this very talented and adorable cast.
The show is directed by Caitlin Palomaki, choreographed by Jill Vermeulen, and stage managed by Georgia Hummell: the perfect team to bring the meaningful message of this show to life!
With colorful costume design by Suzanne Shahbazi and hair styling by Nicole Bullock, the show was a visual delight to watch.
The Blue Cast opens this endearing show Tuesday, August 15th, and runs at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
You can go to nmu.universitytickets.com to find tickets.
EDITORS NOTE: Teagan Sturmer is a local actor, director, and author.