At Dallesport Elementary

A contemporary adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen tale, The Ugly Duckling, Honk! won Britain's Laurence Olivier Award (equivalent of the Tony) for the best musical in 2000, beating out The Lion King.

Not only does it contain many hilarious characters, Honk! teaches important lessons about accepting others' differences and the unique beauty that everyone possesses.

The play also explores tolerance, prejudice, running away and sibling rivalry. It will certainly appeal to children, but most of the humor is aimed at delighting adults who will be charmed by the sheer fun of the show.

Characters include "Ugly," the misunderstood "duckling," starring Trey Kitchens; "Ida" the horrified mother who hatches Ugly, starring Corey Bernier, admitting "This one's different."

There's also the devilish voracious "Cat," starring Lacy Kitchens, who is bent on devouring the ever-na‹ve Ugly, and the ragtag squadron of itinerant geese led by "Greylag" (Ramon Garza), who attempt to find "guilt-ridden" Ida and help Ugly find his way home after running away.

Actors will be able to develop into ducks, frogs, turkeys, hens and swans without encumbering pieces or masks.

Other shining stars include Johnny Metz, Nicolle Oldfield, Madison Wood, Jacob Ziegler, Morgan Casey, Dana Chase, Kailin Chase, Auzreal Harvey, Francia Orozco, Tia Stuart, Mandy Solomon, Tristen Jones, Giovanna Smith, Morgan Struck, Nicki Anderson, Courtney Anderson, Alesha Helfling, Chantelle Hickman, Tori Wilkins and Tiffany Brock.

All students performing in the play are from the third, fourth, fifth and sixth grades, under the direction of Gail Farris.

Credits also go to Nancy Moon (costumes), Lori Smith (music), Peggy Scheradella (set) and Diana Solomon (lighting).

Noted Farris: "Honk! is about all the things we hope our kids learn and grownups need to be reminded of: Different is OK. Accept others for who they are, not what they look like. Inside we're all a lot alike. This duck yard would be pretty boring if w all looked the same. And out there somewhere is some who'll love you--warts and all."

Honk! Junior (book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe, music by George Stiles) is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, 421 West 54th St., New York NY 10019.