HONK -- anyone know this score?

Anyone know the music? My son has been cast in a school production of this show. It's one I don't know. I think I've been confusing it with a similar (?) duck tale written by Krieger and Russell. The album is not available in NY, not at Footlights or Virgin, is already sold out at Amazon, which leds me to believe a lot of schools/groups must do it. My guess is, it's a combo of English pantomime with a kind of hip SEUSSICAL-esque sound. If there are fans out there who can characterize it, I'm curious. Thanks.

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Updated On: 12/28/03 at 11:16 AM

There are two CDs - UK and US. It's a fun score similar to that of Frog and Toad. I got both of mine at Footlight, but I guess they sold out. You can try www.dresscircle.co.uk for the UK CD.

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I don't mean to patronise in any way but HONK is very 'school production'. The original production looked well designed and had some great performances but was unmemorable and none of the music stayed with you when you left. A school would want to do it as it's very colourful and has good mask-making opportunities to tie into classroom agendas plus it encourages good ethics amongst kids as far as intergrating people with difficulties and who are different to themselves.

But yes, think Seussical, think Frog and the Toad and you're there. DressCircle.co.uk is your best bet for a CD :)

I found the book and the score to "Honk" quite "nice" but instantly forgettable. I agree with Jake, it's a good show for a school production but way down my list of memorable musicals.

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My son is playing one of the frogs (and doubling as something else) and ... very broadway.com-worthy: understudying. Yes, they do that in schools these days, no doubt to give more kids a chance to learn from the experience. And, since it's during flu season, I've already begun to speak of the intertwined fates of Mesdames Murphy and Mugelston. I'm ashamed to say I haven't yet studied the script -- casting was posted the day before Chrismtas, er, Winter, Break -- but it doesn't look like a Jr. Version.

I'm stunned by how much good info you're all providing me on this in about 4 hours. Thanks. This is a very savvy board. (But I knew that.)

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Updated On: 12/28/03 at 04:29 PM

Thanks Elphie. But honey, though I've behaved like a real mother several times in my life, I'm actually a daddy.

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I did this show when I was younger, and it definitely is a school-musical show, but it's good. My director spread the parts out a lot- we had about 60 or 70 kids instead of the original 12 people. The music's cute and all but it's not fabulous. The recording I've heard has some really ridiculous sounding accents but maybe there's another one, I don't know.

Depends on what you're looking for. With clever costuming and sets, it's a fun family show. The score is light and fun with several hummable tunes (Poultry Tale, Look at Him, He's Different, Warts and All). I admit I like the US CD better. I added a link to photos of several international productions.
Honk Photos

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Thanks, Matt and Nessa. I looked at the script, and it certainly seems clever (enough). It's even farilyt witty in places, not just collegiate humor. I'll be curious to see how the score serves it, and if it's all helped with a substantial orchestra.

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OMG I love that musical!!! I'm so excited that you guys are talking about it, because a friend of mine was in that!!! It's a wonderful show! I wanted to see him in it, but sadly, I didn't get to go.

See ya later!!

"Sad to be all alone in the world!" -Mrs. Meers

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