Andersen's 'Ugly Duckling' becomes high-energy show

Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling" takes a new spin, promoters say, when presented as the musical version "Honk" by the Christian Youth Theater.

"The characters in this show are larger than life," said Lindsey Branson, marketing director for the Christian Youth Theater. "They are so animated they are over the top."

Although the story line follows Anderson's fairy tale, the musical format adds a colorful dimension. That dimension equates to energy on stage.

"British songwriters George Stiles and Anthony Drewe created the musical," Branson said. "The story is the same only it's a longer version. People will be surprised how much fun it is."

The Christian Youth Theater arts program involves 6- to 18-year-old participants from DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Northwest Cook, and the Rockford area.

"Our organization works with the whole family," Branson said. "We get the parents involved working on costumes, sets and the box office. Young family members who are too young to audition hand out programs, and all our shows are definitely geared for the whole family."

"Honk" was chosen by the group because of the overall appeal of the story. The group felt it was important to share the story's message of accepting people even though they may be different, and to have confidence in who you are.

"I like this group and these stories because it gives me an opportunity to express myself on stage in a way to reflect Christ," said Jackie McNamara, who plays the part of Ida, Ugly's mother. "Ida acts as Christ would by loving someone for who they are, not what they look like."

McNamara, who lives in Algonquin, said the part was a little challenging for her because it called for a feisty mother rather than a matronly one. Additionally, Pete Almeida, who plays the part of her son Ugly, is 18 years old. Jackie herself is 17, so the juxtaposition is tricky.

"It's tough," she said. "Pete has to bring himself down and I have to bring myself up, but he's very good at helping me establish the role."

The basic set for the show is a barnyard scene with a pond and grass tarp covering the entire stage. Again, with the "larger than life" theme, props are several times their usual size, so they appear larger than the humans that are playing the part of animals.

Costumes add to the production's brightness. Yellow and orange are in season as far as Ugly and his friends are concerned. However, they are the human translation of what an animal looks like. As opposed to big fluffy duck costumes, actors will wear yellow overalls and orange tennis shoes.

"One highlight will be when the younger chorus of 8- to 13-year-olds does its tap dance number," Branson said. "They have so much energy and they are so cute. Even in rehearsals, the cast cheers for them."

If you go

What: "Honk"

Who: Christian Youth Theater

When: 7 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 6 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through March 2.

Where: Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines

Tickets: $12 advance, $14 at the door, for seniors and children $9 advance, $11 at the door. Group rates available.

Family Day show: 2 p.m. Saturday. Special prices: $8 advance, $10 at the door

Call: (847) 516-2298 or visit www.cytchicago.org