The curtain rose on Byron-Bergen Drama Club’s presentation of HONK! on Thursday, March 6th. The award-winning Broadway interpretation of Hans Christian Andersen’s Ugly Duckling is an energetic romp through the countryside in which an odd-looking duckling learns to hold his head up high because out there, somewhere, someone loves him “warts and all”. 

Solomon Smith stars as "Ugly", a duckling who doesn't fit in and goes on an epic journey to find his way back to his mother and, in the process, finds himself. Smith instantly wins over the audience with his innocent and joyful portrayal of the wayward fowl. Rylee Burch delivers a tender and heartfelt performance as Ida, Ugly’s mother who refuses to give up the search for her son. Roman Smith brings the laughs as Ugly's father, Drake, who does not initially accept the unusual hatchling but takes his own journey of transformation through the joys of parenthood.

In addition to R. Smith, several seniors anchor the cast and crew. Abby Cook is delightful as Penny, a swan whose offer of kindness and companionship cuts through the insults and laughter to which Ugly had become accustomed. Cook is also a dance captain, leading a troupe of featured dancers as they personify snow, darkness, and perform a full-on Ethel Merman-esc water ballet. Arianne McLaughlin is regal as Grace, matriarch of the barnyard who, despite her pompous demeanor, also acts as the moral compass for the animals whom she chastises for teasing Ugly. Jerimiah Romero debuts as Jay Bird, the fast-talking barnyard news anchor and the somber Father Swan, comforting the distraught Ida. His agility is also on display as he “flies” across the stage on a wave board. Jade Wolff flexes her comedic muscles as Lowbutt, the spoiled and sarcastic chicken who attempts to chase off the interlopers in her life of comfort. Wolff also lends her vocal prowess throughout the performance with solos from atop the barn and as part of the ensemble. Samantha Beale and Hannah Wittman round out the seniors, bringing their stage crew precision and expertise to a performance set with oversized nests, humongous couches, and locally-branded tuna cans and cereal boxes.  

Other key characters include Cat, portrayed by Bradley Pocock who demonstrates his talent for physical comedy as, like Wile E. Coyote chasing Road Runner, he is thwarted in his pursuit of Ugly with slapstick hilarity. Gianna Graff dances her way through a series of comical flirtations with Pocock as Queenie, the domesticated house cat. Teagan Williams leads the goose flock as the supercilious Greylag in tandem with the clear-headed and compassionate Dot, played alternately by Taylor Louis and Peyton Alejandro. Genevieve Smith shines as Maureen, BFF to Ida and favorite aunt to Ugly’s duckling siblings. Gianna Clark’s Bullfrog delivers the feel-good anthem “Warts and All” which the audience will be humming for days with a smile on their face. Clark’s charismatic energy is amplified by the pond-full of adorable elementary school actors as the chorus of froglets.