November 13th, 2020 - 7:00 pm to November 15th, 2020 - 3:00 pm
HONK! THE UGLY DUCKLING MUSICAL opens November 13 at Clear Space Theatre, transforming the stage into a world of dancing and singing farm animals that will entertain the whole family.
“None of us are human in the show,” says Gavin Conner who plays Ugly, the ugly duckling. “It’s different from anything else we have done. The music, though difficult at times to perform, is super uplifting and goofy!”
Since the musical was created in 1993, is has been the winner of multiple awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical in the UK. This heartwarming celebration of being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit and memorable score.
Ugly looks different from his duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point it out, despite his mother’s protective flapping.
Feeling rather foul about himself, Ugly finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be.
Actor Keavy Rhodes, who plays Ugly’s mother, says the story delivers one of the most important messages for today’s youth. “Social media and today’s society has put so much pressure on teens,” she says, “expecting them to be an exact replica of what they believe beauty to be, when in reality, every single person is beautiful just the way they are.”
Conner says he has come across countless people who have been left out or ridiculed for their uniqueness or differences during their times of growth. “I myself went through a time where I didn’t feel comfortable in my skin and other people’s words have harmed me, but as I grow and find more people like me, I have realized my worth on and off stage.”
HONK! THE UGLY DUCKLING MUSICAL is based on the Hans Christian Anderson story, brought to stage by screenwriter Anthony Drewe, with music by George Stiles. Clear Space Artistic Director David Button directs, with music direction by Melanie Bradley, and choreography by Shondelle Graulich. HONK! is produced in collaboration with sponsorships by FINS Hospitality Group and Karen West.
HONK! THE UGLY DUCKLING MUSICAL runs through November 15, with performances on, Friday, November 13 at 7pm, Saturday, November 14 at 3pm and 7pm, and Sunday, November 15 at 3 p.m. Socially distanced tables for 2 or 4 available. Buy online at https://www.clearspacetheatre.org/tickets/. Reminder masks are required for all patrons.
For more information about performing arts education or for show tickets, please visit www.ClearSpaceTheatre.org or call 302.227.2270.
Clear Space Theatre is a non-profit regional theatre serving residents and visitors to Southern Delaware since 2004. Clear Space performs 13 shows during its season and has year-round performing arts education classes for children and adults. Clear Space is located at 20 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE.