Does anyone know about the musical HONK?

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 3/18/13 at 10:34am

It's a re-telling of the Ugly Duckling and it beat LION KING for Best Musical in the UK. I was in it last summer and it was so fun to do. Does anyone think it'll come on Broadway?

[MusicalTheatreGeek2]

Posted: 3/18/13 at 10:43am

I know about it, have been in it, it is fun, but would be VERY shocked if it ever reached broadway!

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 3/18/13 at 10:46am

Why? If CHARLIE BROWN got on Broadway, this can get on Broadway

[tazber]

Posted: 3/18/13 at 10:49am

It's a fun show but I don't think it will ever come to Broadway either.
I have always been surprised that Stiles and Drewe haven't had more success in America (except Mary Poppins).

I'm hoping that Soapdish ends up coming to NY.

[Johnnycantdecide]

Posted: 3/18/13 at 10:50am

I don't know anything about Honk but You're a Good Man Charline Brown was not exactly a commercial or full critical success desipte the amazing cast.

[MusicalTheatreGeek2]

Posted: 3/18/13 at 10:55am

Also it opened in London 14 years ago, I would've thought if someone had wanted to take it over, then it would have happened by now! Although I wouldn't be too surprised to see it open Off-Broadway or regionally at some point!

[darquegk]

Posted: 3/18/13 at 10:59am

It's funny how different people have different reactions to the two different versions of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown," which I think is motivated in part by both the difference in awareness of the Peanuts characters over the past fifty years, and changes in media and culture.

The original staging was far more intimate and innocent, definitely portraying the characters as somewhat naive, winsome children in a decidedly childlike musical environment. It had its moments of wit, but lacked the "edge" that the Peanuts franchise had developed over the years- the slight embrace of the grotesque elements of the characters (Charlie Brown's perpetual suffering and misfortune, Lucy's casual cruelty, etc.) Additionally, Patty the Extra Child was used instead of more interesting characters like Peppermint Patty or the later Sally.

The revised/revived Charlie Brown can almost be seen as a precursor to "Spelling Bee" in its tone and musical style. It reflects the more modern understanding of the Peanuts characters, with Charlie Brown's eternal goodheartedness and optimism making him an oasis in a world that is at once idealistic and cruel- after all, every conceivable bad thing happens to Charlie Brown, and most of the characters in this version of the show openly hate on him, yet still claim to admire him. The neuroses of the characters are played up far more: Linus's dependence on his blanket and bizarre precocious intellect, Lucy's crabbiness, Schroeder's monomaniacal obsession with Beethoven, Sally's... whatever is wrong with Sally (she seems to suffer from "Brittany S. Pierce Syndrome," in that it's hard to tell if she's an absent-minded genius or an utter simpleton).

[ABitOnTheSide]

Posted: 3/18/13 at 11:06am

I love HONK. About 10 years ago I saw a production of HONK with Jonathan Groff at a community theater in PA. The moment he popped out of that egg, I knew he would be a star. He was brilliant as Ugly. It's a great little show with a great score, but I'm not sure if it's more than an A+ kid's show...

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 3/18/13 at 3:47pm

I have very high doubts that it will ever reach Broadway, but it is a very fun show indeed.

[tazber]

Posted: 3/18/13 at 4:30pm

I don't think anyone is even trying to bring it to Broadway. It seems much more at home in regional theaters.

It is a charming show though. As far as family shows go it's a lot better than most of the Disney behemoths.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/18/13 at 4:51pm

I think the show is quite brilliant and charming. Music Theatre of Wichita did a big production of it that yielded a cast recording, but if the show was ever going to Broadway, it would have been back then. I generally like Stiles and Drewe. Honk and Soho Cinders are my favorite scores of theirs. I also saw a production of their Three Musketeers at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and while the score was nice, the book was flat and dull.

[tazber]

Posted: 3/18/13 at 4:54pm

I also enjoy the score to Three Musketeers. Haven't seen the show so I can't comment on the book.

Also really enjoy Just So.

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 3/18/13 at 4:59pm

I agree with Matt and Taz's takes on the show. It's an absolute charmer, but I don't think it has any real place on Broadway. If I thought there was room off-Broadway for a long running family show, I would say that was its best chance.