To launch the 40th season of Bridgeport High School Theatre, it seemed appropriate to feature a production which would be loved by audience members of all ages.

 

“HONK!” fit the bill perfectly.

 

“There’s a lot of magic and cool costumes, but it also has some real heart to it,” said Director Jason Young.

 

At the heart of it all is “Ugly” – a character which parallels the Ugly Duckling in the Hans Christian Andersen story classic - played by Luke Sambol.

 

“Luke is a kid who has been with our program since eighth grade, has consistently worked hard, had positive attitude and has made most of the opportunities afforded to him,” Young said. “He has gotten better and better and earned this role 100 percent.”

 

From the moment of his hatching – about five minutes into the show – Ugly is the focus of “HONK!”

 

“He goes on this sort of journey and runs away from home,” Young said. “Kids pick on him and he meets this crazy group of people along the way.”  

 

Among those characters is Cat, played by Aaron Harris.

 

“This is a great role for Aaron,” Young said. “The Cat is in pursuit of Ugly simply because he wants to eat him. There’s a lot of comedy in that because as Ugly meets and befriends other people, the Cat tries to weasel himself into those relationships. At one point, he disguises himself as a goose. It’s a lot of fun and stuff the kids are really going to enjoy.”

 

Another character which spans the whole show as opposed to many “pop up” characters is Ida – Ugly’s mom and obviously, his biggest supporter. Portraying Ida is Jessica Pigott.

 

“That role has a lot of heart,” Young said. “Ida is the only person who accepts Ugly from the very beginning. He’s her son and she doesn’t care what he looks like. She sort of takes the adventure after him – chasing him, trying to get him home safely. It’s a really touching role.”

 

The show delivers a most powerful message, Young said.

 

“It doesn’t beat you over the head with it, but it’s about being different,” he said. “And that’s meaningful to elementary students, middle school and high school kids – and even adults because we live in a society where we don’t always accept different. The message at the end is that it's okay." 

 

HONK! is presented in larger-than-life action and features some pretty over-the-top costumes.

 

“And the music is really infectious,” Young said. “Everyone from one year old to 99 years old will be able to see – and love – this show.”

 

The play – the BHS senior showcase – will be presented October 23 through 26 at the BHS auditorium. Tickets will go on sale in early-October.

 

A total of 24 high school students are involved in the production with a number of Bridgeport Middle School students serving in supporting and ensemble roles:

 

BULLFROG………………………..Noah Murray          CAT……………………………………….Aaron Harris

 

DOT…………………………..Isabella McMillion           DRAKE………………………………..Ryan Osborne

 

FATHER SWAN………………….Noah Murray           GRACE……………………………...Aika Takahashi

                                               

GREYLAG…………………………Ryan Osborne         HENRIETTA……………………Lily Vredingburgh

               

IDA…………………………………..Jessica Pigott        LOWBUTT…………………...Isabella McMillion

 

MAUREEN.............................Emily Greer                MOTHER SWAN……………....Malinda Hodge

 

PENNY…………………………....Maya Flowers           QUEENIE………………………........Taryn P.

 

SISTER SWAN………………….Cheryl Romine          TURKEY……………………………….Noah Murray

 

UGLY………………………………….Luke Sambol

 

 

DUCKLINGS

Jenna Keefover, Shelby Whiteman, Caroline Fulks, Welsey Cotter, Makayla Miller and

Ella Flowers.

 

FARMYARD ANIMALS

Maya Flowers, Malinda Hodge, Isabella McMillion, Taryn P. and Cheryl Romine.

 

FISH

Cassie Pugh, Emily Meade, Isabella Cecil, Hannah Randolph, Olivia Ferguson, Taryn Pascoe, Maya Flowers, Aika Takahashi, Isabella McMillion and Malinda Hodge.

 

GOOSE SQUADRON

Cassie Pugh, Emily Meade, Isabella Cecil, Hannah Randolph, Olivia Ferguson, Taryn Pascoe, Maya Flowers, Cheryl Romine, Lily Vredingburgh and Emily Greer.

 

FROGLETS

Taryn Pascoe, Maya Flowers, Malinda Hodge, Isabella McMillion, Cheryl Romine, Lily Vredinburgh, Aika Takahashi, Emily Greer, Jenna Keefover, Shelby Whiteman, Caroline Fulks, Wesley Cotter, Makayla Miller, Ella Flowers, Cassie Pugh, Emily Meade, Isabella Cecil, Hannah Randolph and Olivia Ferguson.