We are always honored when our productions receive high praise, and we were thrilled to learn that Gordon Spencer from The Reader thoroughly enjoyed HONK! The Musical. Here are a few things that Mr. Spencer had to say about the show:
The Rose glows in its production of the musical Honk. The cast, the sets, the costumes all combine for a wonderfully polished performance.
From start to finish Dan Chevalier makes Ugly endearing, convincingly child-like and innocent. In this 15-member group of performers, Zach Kloppenborg’s version of Greylag has smart spiff and style. Plus Robby Stone, a Rose regular, once again comes across with memorable personality, this time as Bullfrog.
Six other adults and six children merge into an impeccable ensemble, making all the right moves and gestures including some especially clever ones by choreographer Sue Gillespie Booton. Further, everyone sings expertly, blending well with Stiles’ pre-recorded music.
Jeff Stander’s sets look great, with barnyard painted strokes suggesting Van Gogh’s explorations of similar places, Stander also devised a beautiful winter scene. And has Cat’s home add to the fun, with its worn-out soup can. Plus Christopher Dills has come up with marvelous props such as the vegetables in Cat’s kitchen.
Costume designer Sheri Geerdes created the laudable look of this production with such details as speckled pants legs, feathery accents and marvelous white clothes for the swans, including Ugly’s enventual tux with special tails.
Director Cynthia Gendrich stages all of this with invention and style, making sure that the acting is never over-done while keeping the pace lively, looking effortless.
Their imaginative, joyful show takes flight. The Rose has it all together.