Marie Clark is is delighted to present the South Australian premiere of the full-version musical, Honk!, in May 2010 at the Arts Theatre, Adelaide.

Director: Megan Dansie
Musical Direction: Kate White & Joanna Patrick
Choreographer: Rachel Dow

Since it first hatched in 1993 Stiles & Drewe’s musical Honk! has winged its way around the world in over 3000 productions and in many different languages.

“…Imagine the colour and wit of Disney’s Jungle Book, mixed with the vivacity of ‘40s Hollywood musicals, exuberantly staged, and you still only have some idea of how stonkingly brilliant this Christmas treat is…” (Time Out on the 2000 National Theatre production)

A world-wide stage sensation that has been seen by over 5 million people, Honk!has won multiple awards including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical (beating The Lion King and Mamma Mia! for the prize).

This musical comedy, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling”, tells the story of an odd-looking baby duck, Ugly (Scott Reynolds), and his quest to find his mother (Kate Brooker).

The young Ugly is teased by his siblings and rejected by the other farmyard birds then lured away by a wily Cat (Jethro Pidd) who wants to eat Ugly for dinner. Ugly manages to escape but has no idea how to return home.

On his search for home Ugly meets a collection of colourful characters including a cat (Eleanor Stankiewicz as Queenie) and a chicken (Maxine Morales as Lowbutt) who live in a slightly unnatural relationship as pets, and an all singing, all dancing Bullfrog (Daniel Salmond) who teaches Ugly that different can be beautiful.

Ugly’s struggle to find his identity and to come to terms with being different reaches a heartwarming and inspiring conclusion highlighting the theme that celebrates diversity, acceptance and that it is ok to be yourself.

While based on what was originally a children’s story, this production is more than suitable for all ages. Children will enjoy the show, but those a little older will enjoy it even more thanks to a witty and engaging script, toe-tapping songs and wonderful performances.

The music for Honk! was composed by George Stiles, while the book and lyrics were written by Anthony Drewe. After they wrote Honk! they were commissioned to write the extra songs to bring Mary Poppins to the West End. This production is performed by arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Josef Weinberger Ltd London.

The Arts Theatre, cnr Angas and Moore Streets, Adelaide
21, 22, 27, 28, 29 May 2010 at 8pm
Matinees 22, 29 May 2010 at 2pm
Special night 26 May 2010 at 8pm

Tickets: Adults $24.00; Concession $19.00; all tickets for the special night $19.00