HONK! Utah Musical Theatre, Peery's Egyptian Theater, Ogden, through July 19 (1-800-978-8457). Running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes (one intermission).
OGDEN — "Honk!" is a hoot . . . and a quack-up.
This cleverly staged musical version of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fable, "The Ugly Duckling," is firmly rooted in Great Britain's traditional "pantomime" music-hall genre. Not "pantomime" as in "mime," but tune-filled, almost vaudevillian productions.
The dialogue and lyrics are wryly humorous, and there's plenty of action on stage, so younger kids shouldn't get bored.
UMT's production of "Honk!" has a fine cast — many of whom have multiple roles.
Guest director-choreographer Jean Kerr keeps things moving at a fairly brisk pace, and the production is further enhanced by Garry Lennon's stylistic costumes and John Thornberry's whimsical set.
Three of the performers have solo roles as the production's key characters — Ugly, the "duckling" who eventually turns into a handsome swan, played by Nathan Crocker; Ida, his mother, who is determined to give her rather odd offspring the same amount of love she has for her other ducklings, played by Equity artist Polly Seale of Sandy; and Cat, who would love to have Ugly over for lunch, played by Nehal Joshi.
Crocker is both energetic and immensely talented, as Ugly flees the Duckyard and becomes involved in a variety of adventures.
Seale, who has a couple of poignant solos, has a strong, Broadway-quality voice. And Joshi gives the hungry Cat just the right touch of villainy. His hideaway is decorated with photos of Martha Stewart and Emeril, who inspire his attempts at gourmet cooking. If Ugly would just cooperate, Duck l'Orange may be on the menu.
Several other players stand out as well, especially Jeremy Fligare as both Drake, Ugly's perplexed father, and Graylag, an over-the-top military guy who leads his band of goose-stepping geese on — what else? — a wild goose chase.
Timothy Goins is well-cast as the educated Turkey and the playfully helpful Frog. ("Warts and All" is one of the show's great ensemble numbers.)
George Stiles' music and Anthony Drewe's insightful lyrics teach a subtle lesson about accepting those who may be different from the standard mold. And there is a strong message of love and hope.
One major downside is the venue. Peery's Egyptian Theater is a beautifully restored movie palace — but the seating and acoustics don't work all that well for live theater. Many times, especially during the second act, lyrics were drowned out by the orchestra. And one actor in the "Warts and All" number either didn't have a microphone, or the one he was wearing wasn't working.
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