The cast of Cedar Springs High School’s spring musical Honk! put on a great show last weekend. Full of catchy tunes and excellent acting, the story, which was based on “The Ugly Duckling,” told the story of a duck (Ugly, played by senior Nick Bonarski), that was picked on by the other farm animals and relentlessly pursued by the farm cat (played by junior Steven Reed). Bonarski was lovable as the naïve duckling, who believes the cat is his friend, and gets lost for six months, while searching for his family. Reed was in his element as the conniving feline, and left the audience in stitches during some of his scenes, such as in the Kitty Cat snack shack, where he sang “Play with your food (before you eat it)” to Ugly, and in the old woman’s cottage, where he dresses up like Father duck come to take Ugly home, and also falls for Queenie the cat, played superbly by sophomore Kayla Ovokaitys.
Sara Sowerwine convincingly played Ida, the mother duck worried about Ugly, who never loses faith that he is one of them just different. She searches relentlessly when Ugly becomes lost, and conveys her emotions splendidly in song.
One of the favorite scenes/songs of the night was “Warts and all,” with senior Joe McKnight giving a fun performance as the bullfrog. His jolly sense of humor assured Ugly everything would be all right, and that someone would love him “Warts and all.”
All of the cast gave wonderful performances, including senior Tim Mol as Drake (Father duck), senior Nate Stein as Greylag the goose, junior Jenna Johnson as Dot the goose flight attendant, senior Charli Watson as Penny the swan and many others. Linda Martino directed, and Lindsey Magoon student-directed.
Other than some glitches with the sound, the show flowed smoothly, and the cast certainly deserved the standing ovation they received on Saturday night for their performance.
