Last week, on Thursday evening, February 3, and Friday evening, February 4, as part of Hastings Theatre Program, sixth graders at Farragut Middle School captured the hearts of a packed audience with their production of Honk Jr. 

A charming adaptation of one of the world's most treasured fables, "The Ugly Duckling,” Honk Jr. is a celebration of what makes us special. It portrays the story of Ugly, played by Zev Zweig, who looks quite a bit 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. Ugly, feeling rather down, eventually finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, and, inadvertently outsmarts a very hungry Cat, played by Mattea Volpe. Along the way, Ugly encounters a whole flock of unique characters and finds out that being different is not a bad thing to be. 

“Honk Jr. was well-received by our community,” said the Theatre Program’s Production Coordinator Phyllis Udice. “The theatre was filled with excitement, and the comedic undertones of the Cat, who can only think about its next meal, made it even more engaging. Our Director Laurie Walton outdid herself with teaching the vocals, movement, staging, and acting. Another feather in the caps of our extremely talented cast and crew!"

Click here to view the playbill.

For a behind-the-scenes look into the production and dress rehearsals, watch a short video below.