Delaware Theatre Company Announces Cast Of HONK

Delaware Theatre Company proudly presents the Olivier Award winning musical Honk! with music by George Stiles and book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe, directed by Bud Martin. This family friendly musical, adapted from Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling runs April 17 - May 12, 2019. Tickets are on sale now starting at $20 and can be purchased online at DelawareTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (302) 594-1100.
The cast features Barrymore Award winner Kim Carson, Maria Konstantinidis, Rachel Brennan, Jenna Pastuszek, Jake Blouch, Christopher Sapienza, Newton Buchanan, Sean O'Neill, Camiel Warren-Taylor, Jojo Schlecht, and Charlotte Taylor. Adam Hoyak plays Ugly, the famous duckling.

The cast also includes local children performing as alternates who have regularly participated in Delaware Theatre Company's Summer on Stage program. They include Madison Richardson, Elliot Preston Jacob, Victoria Rein, and Avery Zhang.

This heart-warming re-imagining of Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling tells the story of Ugly, a plucky little bird who gets picked on by the other farmyard animals because he's different. Pushed out of the flock, he embarks on an adventure, meeting an array of characters who teach him that it takes all sorts to make a world, and that he is much more than just his fowl looks.

Despite being based on a nursery rhyme, Honk! is an event for all ages. Writer Anthony Drewe says, Everyone can relate to the plight of an outsider trying to fit in we have all felt it at some point in our lives. We wanted to write a musical about acceptance a celebration of being different, where diversity is welcomed and embraced, and where everyone plays their own part in a multicultural community, albeit on a duck pond.
In a review by Live Theatre UK, Stephen Collins writes, Honk! is a miraculous musical. It should be seen by every child everywhere, as well as any adult who still thinks difference is something not to be celebrated. Musical comedy at its most healing.

Since it first hatched in 1993, Honk! has winged its way around the world in over 8,000 productions and many different languages. Winner of multiple awards, this tale of learning to embrace being different is sure to delight audiences of all ages. In fact, Honk! won the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, beating out Mamma Mia and The Lion King.

The show's score features memorable melodies and sparkling wit. With music direction led by the bubbly Gina Giachero, the music will not only sound spectacular, but overflow the stage with energy and joy. The design team is comprised of DTC alumni and new faces. Jill Keys costumes spark the imagination, as she has combined texture and color to suggest the famous animals as they dance to Sonny Leo's comic choreography. A whimsical set design by Dirk Durossette brings childhood joy to life in Thom Weaver's spectacular lighting design. Finally, the creative team is complete with John Stovicek's impressive sound design.

Performances are held on Delaware Theatre Company's stage, located at 200 Water Street in Wilmington, DE, just feet from the beautiful Riverfront. Honk! runs April 17 - May 12, 2019. Tickets are on sale now starting at $20 and can be purchased online at DelawareTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (302)594-1100.

A relaxed performance will be held on April 30, 2019 at 6:30 PM. This performance is specially adjusted to be a sensory-friendly and judgement-free performance, inclusive of children and families with a wide range of sensory, learning, and communication differences. Adjustments include keeping house lights on at a low level, reducing startling lighting effects, space available for standing and movement, and freedom to talk, vocalize, and leave seats during the performance.

Press Opening is on April 20, 2019 at 8pm. Reservations can be made by contacting Carolina Millard, Marketing & Patron Experience Manager at (302)504-3452 or cmillard@delawaretheatre.org.