‘Honk! Jr.’ offers twist on classic story

The latest production by the Lake Superior Theatre is little different than other productions earlier this summer:  children make up the cast.

Honk! Jr. is a modern telling of a classic children’s story made into a musical, put on by the youth theatre.  The play tells the story of Ugly, a duck, who is separated from his family for looking different, and learns about himself as he tries to find his way back.

The musical teaches children a lesson about expressing their individuality.

“(Honk! Jr.) is based off The Ugly Duckling,” Director Moire Embley said.  “It’s basically an ugly duckling story set to a musical.”

“(The musical) really emphasizes what’s important about individuality, and I think it’s important for all the kids that are involved in the production to learn about that.  That’s what most important, accepting yourself for who you are and not being afraid to be different.”

The group of 70 child actors are split into two productions, and have been rehearsing for almost four months.

Honk! Jr. opens Thursday, and has a total of eight shows:  August 1-4, and August 7-10.

For more information, including ticket prices and show times, visit the Lake Superior Theatre’s website, or call (906) 227-7625.