The weather played havoc with schedules this weekend here in Southeastern PA. I had tickets for the Saturday evening performance of Honk! at Pottstown’s Tri-County Performing Arts Center but the show was cancelled. Fortunately, the tickets were honored at Sunday’s matinee!
That being said, there is no review of Henry’s as our plans changed due to inclement weather.
So my two friends and I trudged through the snow to see Honk! Sunday afternoon at 3 pm. The theatre was 2/3 full. The crowd was enthusiastic and appreciative. A mixture of all ages. We started a few minutes late and after the usual announcements the show began.
The set was once again well designed. Simple, yet functional and appropriate. The music was live (great orchestra) and the lighting and effects were also excellent.
Honk! is based on the fairy tale of the Ugly Ducking by Hans Christian Anderson and was turned into a musical production. Honk! was named Winner Best Musical of 2000 Oliver Award, and winner of FNB VITA Awards in South Africa. Honk! is now performed all over the world.
The performance ran 2 1/2 hours with a 15 minute intermission between the Act I and Act II. Again, the seats at the TriPAC are comfortable which really helps!!
The cast was very large, talented and included many children as well as adults.
Everyone did an excellent job but IMHO the stand-out performances were as follows:
Ugly aka Marc Sherfield did an outstanding job in the lead role. He made Ugly come alive. His acting and singing skills were first rate. He was wonderful as the Tin Man in the Wiz, but I felt he did an even better job in this role. Thank you Marc for a superb performance!
Ida aka Denise Webb was perfectly suited to be the mama duck. Her performance was genuine and her vocal skills were first rate. Denise graduated from West Chester University with a degree in Music Education. West Chester’s music program is excellent and Denise did them proud!
Cat aka David Wrigley was my favorite character. David recently graduated from Muhlenberg College. Muhlenberg has a nationally ranked theatre program which I have experienced first hand (see my Bat Boy The Musical Review). I think casting David as Cat was genius. His performance was purrfectly awesome. I would have to say David is the total package for musical theatre. Looking forward to seeing David in something else at the TriPAC or in the area.
Lowbutt aka A.J. Giruzzi was beyond hysterical as the rooster. He had all the right moves and was hands down the funniest character. My friend laughed so hard during the Together scene she had a coughing fit.
Queenie aka Krista Knight was perfectly matched to A.J. Giruzzi. Their character’s were BFF’s and we had no trouble believing that. Their voices blended beautifully and they played off of each other to perfection. Again, great casting decisions! Two very talented actors!
Lastly, Michael Tunney as Greylag and Deborah Stimson-Snow as Dot were also quite funny. Great chemistry between them!
Hats off to Village Productions for another outstanding event! If you live in the Greater Pottstown area and have not yet attended a show at the TriPAC, I would highly recommend checking them out. Save yourself the trip into Philadelphia to see high quality theatre. Take advantage of what is in your own backyard!
To check out upcoming events:
Voice: 610-970-1199
The performing arts center is located at 245 E. High Street in downtown Pottstown.
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