The Cappies visit Honk!, Beauty and the Beast
Feathers, charm and cheer add up to fun night
Feeling different, ugly, unlovable, out of place? Who hasn’t had those moments when the world seems to turn against you? Eastglen High School’s production of Honk! touched heartstrings by tapping into the universal fear of being unwanted, and the joy of finding love and acceptance.
The bittersweet children’s tale The Ugly Duckling, written in 1843 by fairy tale master Hans Christian Andersen, was considered autobiographical. The story lived through various incarnations and was set to music in 1993 by British songwriters Anthony Drewe and George Stiles. It opened in London’s West End in December 1999, winning an Olivier award for Best Musical. The show follows Ugly, a baby swan hatched in a duck’s nest, as he is mocked for his appearance, kidnapped by a hungry cat and struggles to find his way home.
This whimsical production was anchored by the colourful characterization and likable energy of its lead performers. Actors boldly took both artistic and physical risks. From leaping off the multi-level set to vaulting into each other’s arms, nothing was held back. The challenge of humanizing animal characters was undertaken with enterprise and imagination. Performers managed to incorporate little quirks reminiscent of their barnyard identities while maintaining relatable human emotionality.
Malik Hinton shone in the lead role of Ugly, the sweet misfit who wants only to be loved, bringing both joy and pathos to his performance. Hinton’s childish enthusiasm and adorably oblivious innocence won over the audience immediately, and his boundless energy fit the character perfectly as he rollicked around the stage. His painfully vulnerable moments were played with equal skill. Ugly’s confusion and distress during the jeering song Look At Him were truly heart-rending.
Two remarkably skilled performers stood out among the supporting cast. Nicholas Giroux brought his deep, gorgeous voice and strong presence to three distinct characters, each with its own energy and brand of humour. His hilarious facial expressions and accent as the Bullfrog were highlights of the second act, as was his duet with Hinton. Caycee Surgeson delivered a knockout performance as the villainous and seductive Cat. Despite illness, the actress persevered with laudable determination and sparkled in her role. Surgeson’s sinuous physicality and alluring demeanour were undeniably feline, while her vocals showcased her talent and range.
Hailee Elkow, as Ugly’s mother, created a tender and believable chemistry with Hinton, as well as a humorous and dynamic relationship with Giroux.
Though articulation and volume caused occasional difficulties for ensemble members, sound mishaps were handled with composure.
The show’s technical work was well executed and in keeping with its style. Smooth and effective lighting transitions helped establish location and mood, and a small but expert orchestra provided tuneful accompaniment for the singers.
This winsome show reminds us that though life is harder when you’re odd, you never know what lies in store; different can be beautiful. Furnished with feathers, charm and plenty of cheer, Eastglen students created a plucky and pleasant production of this poultry tale.