HONK! is a witty and moving musical stage adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale The Ugly Duckling. It is the story of Ugly, whose odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. Separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry Cat, Ugly must find his way home. Along his rollicking and harrowing journey, he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, but also finds love and acceptance in all its forms. Join us for an unforgettable family theater experience.

  Bayside Performing Arts Center, 2025 Kehoe Avenue, San Mateo

October 22-31, 2004

Artistic Director's Notes

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts…
W. Shakespeare As You Like It II.7

Shakespeare’s whimsical statement offers a comment that our time to live will be filled with challenges and events that reflect what one might see in a play. Centuries later, one might wonder if life imitates art or the reverse. In either case, the way in which one handles oneself is paramount to defining one’s character. The collective character of individuals constitutes a society.

Without the arts to help society stimulate, entertain, and provoke thought, we seriously narrow our options for growth, community spirit and healthy debate. Pied Piper Players is interested in the individual development of people and, further, their contribution to an enriched society.

Today, we present HONK! Written by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, HONK! became a stand-out by winning the 2000 Olivier Award (the British equivalent of the Tony® Award) for Best New Musical. HONK! is an inventive adaptation of “The Ugly Duckling”, a story most credited to Hans Christian Andersen. How does this retelling reflect our society? What are the conversations it can inspire?

Our hero, Ugly, is shunned by his community for being “different”. We watch his courageous journey toward self-discovery and acceptance. In the end, he realizes his true identity as a swan and is accepted back into the duck yard as the “finest bird on the lake”. One has to wonder; what would happen to the ugly duckling if he were, well, just a duck? Does it mean that his character is less noble, his struggle less heroic; he is less able to lead? Is he less capable of loving or being loved? What is interesting is that Ugly doesn’t believe he’s ugly until everyone else introduces the concept to him. Until then, he has no understanding of “different”. His burden is what he suffered at the hands of his community.

While we admire Ugly for overcoming hardship, is it his affliction; or his community’s? Is it possible that the greater lesson garnered from HONK! is that society needs to be less judgmental and critical of fellow community members based on looks, personal preferences and a host of labels and stereotypes we’ve created ? Is it possible that without these creations, we can spare individuals grief and allow them to simply enjoy life and participate in community based on their many good qualities?

We hope that you will enjoy our rendition of HONK! and invite you to discuss your views on its message with other members of your community.

Sincerely,
Leslie Stupple