Archive: Arts & Entertainment

Running to Places, the non-profit theatre company for youth across Tompkins County, presents the family-friendly musical comedy: “Honk!” The most talented middle school performers from every corner of the region bring this heartwarming adaptation of The Ugly Duckling to the Dryden Central School Auditorium, June 12-14, Friday and Saturday at 7, Sunday at 2.

“Honk!” is the story of Ugly, whose odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. Separated from his family and pursued by a hungry cat – Ugly must find his way home. Along his rollicking and harrowing journey, he discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny. Witty and hilarious, but also deeply moving, “Honk!” became a stand-out by beating “The Lion King” for the 2000 Olivier Award (the British equivalent of the Tony Award) for Best New Musical. According to Director Joey Steinhagen: “Many people have never heard of ‘Honk!’ It was a huge hit in London, and every audience that sees it falls in love with it. It’s the perfect balance of sweet without saccharin, funny and tear-jerking, sincere and outrageous.”

Running to Places Executive Director Gail Belokur appreciates the show for its message. “This show is so poignant for middle school-aged performers, who are at the place in their lives when they are discovering who they are and contemplating their role in the world. Who hasn’t felt like an ‘ugly duckling’ at some point? The show demonstrates the power of words for better and worse, the hurt that is caused by prejudice and bullying, and the empowerment of belief in oneself – all without ever resorting to preaching or heavy-handedness.”


The story traces Ugly’s journey through the world and its many animal inhabitants, and the design of the show is full of surprises. Costume Designer Lori Levine was tasked with creating a world of animals without any “animal” costumes. Steinhagen explains: “We wanted to show the human qualities of the animal characters, so Lori worked to find aspects of the animals’ personalities that would be found in people. For example, the squadron of geese are dressed in uniforms reminiscent of vintage British Air Force uniforms.”

The scenic design by Alexander Woodward is meant to suggest a classic children’s’ pop-up book. According to Belokur, “We are excited to have recent graduates of Ithaca College's strong theatre production arts program, like Alexander, among our artistic and production staff.  And, because they work alongside local adults and youth involved in school shows, we see a ‘trickle down’ effect in which not only R2P but also the local drama programs benefit from this partnering.”

Choreographer Todd Peterson was excited by the creative possibilities this unique show offers. “Since we had an off-the-beaten-path kind of play, we had the opportunity to find off-the-beaten-path solutions.” Peterson continues, “For example, we put the chorus of dancing frogs on bouncing balls. This choice was the first of several in which we integrate childhood favorites, new and old, to tell the story.  It’s been fun to figure out the best way to bring the story to life.”

The cast of almost 50 middle school-aged performers hail from every corner of Tompkins County. “Being inclusive is part of our mission,” explains Belokur. “Our company brings talented, passionate youth together from all over to meet on a level playing field – there are no mandatory fees to participate in Running to Places. I repeatedly challenge friends and acquaintances to come see an R2P show with a money-back guarantee – and no one has ever asked for a refund; our students deliver a level of artistry they never expected and they end up becoming faithful patrons to our shows.”

The cast includes Anthony Nigro (Ithaca) as The Ugly Duckling, Sari Koppel (Trumansburg) as Ida, Joel Beckwith (Lansing) as Drake, James Potter (Ithaca) as the Cat, Ally Young (Dryden) as Maggie Pie, Nicole Rossi (Trumansburg) as Queenie, Charlotte Senders (Trumansburg) as Lowbutt, Keara Byron (Ithaca) as Bullfrog, Taylor Frey (Trumansburg) as Greylag, Sadie Scott-Martinson (Ithaca) as Dot, and Lena Kornreich (Ithaca) as Maureen. The production team, besides those previously mentioned, includes Lighting Designer Laura Krassowski, Sound Designer Wesley Sanders, and Stage Manager Jennifer Shaw.

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