Somers Middle School goes to the ducks for telling of fairy tale

Feathered friends take the stage Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, at Somers Middle School in a “poultry tale” of self-discovery in “Honk Jr.” 

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, “The Ugly Duckling,” “Honk” centers around the story of a duckling named Ugly.

In a duckyard by the farmhouse, Drake and Ida (Hunter Michell and Ellie Norton) have produced a new brood this year, with five ducklings, Billy (Kenzie Kilduff), Beaky (Ellie Barrett), Downy (Courtlynn Lehman), Fluff (Zoey Hanson), and Ugly (Rose Ford), but Ugly struggles to fit in with the others. With sneers and jeers, the Duckyard (Emma Feeney, Savannah Hutcherson, Navie Norton, and Kylie Stednitz) isolates Ugly, until a new “friend,” the Cat (Addie Fox) steps up with an appetite for tender juicy balls of fluff. With malicious deceit, the Cat tries to turn Ugly into Duck L’Orange, yet with the help of a fearless goose squad (Jade Marr, Piper Sund, Hollis Tufly, and Emma Feeney), Bullfrog (Viola Carey-Louden) and an ensemble of Froglets (Hayley Feeney, Kelsey Scott, Eirelyn McClure, and Nehemiah Hay), and a family of Swans (Londyn Hutcherson, Phinney Valdespino, and Lily McCauley), Ugly learns that different can be wonderful. 

When the snowy season is about to arrive, Ugly is caught. Will love and acceptance thaw the stoniest of hearts? Or will the Duckyard’s cruelty and intolerance freeze out hope?

Although numerous hours and a waterfowl regatta of energy have been put into this captivating show, the student performers and crew have learned more valuable lessons than how to act or manage lights.

“I learned many things about myself in theater, including that I get to really get into my character which helps me not to worry what people think of me, for theater is a safe space,” said sixth-grader Rose Ford. “I look forward each day to come to practice and get to sing, dance, act, and make the show look amazing.”

“The highlight in my acting career has been the dedication that everyone has to put in to make a great show every year,” added eighth-grader Ellie Norton.

“I've learned that theater is a safe place to be yourself. We make mistakes together and we laugh it off,” said eighth-grader Addie Rivera.

The show starts at 6:30 p.m. May 17. Two performances will be held May 18 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the middle school. 

Call the school at 857-3661 for ticket availability.