EHS Theatre Company presents their spring musical, “HONK! JR.,” May 28 & 29

The Everett High School Theatre Company is proud to present their spring musical, “HONK! JR.,” a contemporary and comic retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling.” Based on the award-winning musical “Honk!” by George Stiles (composer) and Anthony Drewe (books and lyrics), “HONK! JR.” is a witty and heartwarming show celebrating what makes each of us special.

“HONK! JR.” follows “Ugly” (played by sophomore Wilbur Portillo Valle), who hatches looking quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice, and despite his loving mother Ida (played by sophomore Annabele Ibrihimi) protecting him, Ugly’s odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. When Ugly is separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry cat (played by freshman Briana Jean-Denis), he must find his way home. Along his harrowing yet hilarious journey, he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, but also finds love and acceptance in all its forms. Other featured cast members include juniors Vinicius Porto and Isabella Vaz and senior Anthony Santizo.

This  version of “Honk! JR. is featuring a lot of underclassmen and newer actors in the cast. “This spring, we are excited to feature a lot of newer members of the theatre company on and offstage,” says Theatre Company Head Advisor Britt Mitchell, theatre teacher at Everett High School. “This musical is the perfect training ground for our theatre company’s newest members. We are losing a lot of seniors this year and our goal is to build our theatre company for next year and beyond.”

Even though a majority of the cast are underclassmen, something new to the Theatre Company this year is that “HONK JR.!” features many upperclassmen in the production staff. Senior and four-year theater company veteran Gianna Rodriguez Sanchez codirected the production. The choreography team is led by choreographer Rebecca Louine (senior) and assistant choreographer Olivia Laidlaw (junior). The stage manager is Rayssa Castro (junior). Lighting designers are Kawanne Marins (senior) and Kaylee Rodriguez (junior). Cecia Cruz (senior) is assistant technical director. George Reeves (junior) is the sound designer and sound board operator. Faculty members Corey Crofoot, Josephine Dougan and Evan DeMarzo also helped spearhead this production and led the cast and crew to produce a musical in only two months.

“HONK! JR.” hatches on Wednesday, May 28, and Thursday, May 29, at 6:00 p.m. at the Everett High School Auditorium: 100 Elm St., Everett, Mass. Tickets are $5 for adults and free for any Everett Public Schools student or staff member. Tickets and concessions are cash only. For more information on the show, please email Britt Mitchell at bm*******@************ma.us or call Everett High School at 617-394-2490.

“HONK! JR.” is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International (421 West 54th St., New York, NY; 212-541-4684; mtishows.com).