Launching Pad Productions, the Ballston Spa Middle School Drama Club, is will stage its winter musical, “Honk! Jr.,” from Thursday, Jan. 31, to Saturday, Feb. 9, in the Ballston Spa High School auditorium.
Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling,” “Honk!” celebrates what makes each person special. Ugly (Keith DuBois) looks different from his duckling siblings. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping (Rachel Camilli). Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while outwitting a hungry Cat (Katie Benanto). Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out being different is not a bad thing to be.
“Honk” will be performed by a cast of more than 50 students with another 60-plus crew members putting the show together behind the scenes. Performances are set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, Fridays Feb. 1 and 8, and Saturday, Feb. 9. There will also be a matinee performance at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased at the door before each performance.
In conjunction with the production, Ballston Spa Rotary will be holding its “Spread the Love Food Drive.” The Rotary will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items which will be distributed to food pantries in Ballston Spa, as well as donations of pet food which will be distributed to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter.