A rainbow of “birdgirls’ caught mid flight backstage
HONK! – March 20-29, 2026
Show Dates: March 20-29, 2026
Venue: Dragonfly Theater, R.J. Grey Jr. H.S. 16 Charter Road, Acton, MA 01720
Accessibility Details
Open Door shows are relaxed/sensory friendly, interpreted into American Sign Language, open captioned by illustrated projections on the proscenium walls, and audio described. We provide accessible seating, assisted listening devices, family bathrooms, tactile tours, allergy friendly concessions, and a live feed of the performance onsite in a chill out area. A PDF of our Social Story will be posted close to opening night along with our Audio Description Preshow Cast and Costumes here, Sets here, and Wayfinding and Theater here .
We will post our ASL VLOG about HONK and its Social Story around February of 2026.
For more information, please visit the Open Door Theater Accessibility page.
Run Time
To Be Determined
Content Warnings
Coming Soon.
Synopsis
Honk! is a musical adaptation of Han Christian Anderson’s “The Ugly Duckling,” about a gawky duckling named Ugly who is ostracized for his difference. He sets off on an adventure of self-discovery, where he meets a variety of characters and evades a hungry Cat. Ultimately, Ugly finds that being different is not a bad thing and is reunited with his mother, transforming into a beautiful swan. The story is a heartwarming celebration of self-acceptance and is suitable for all ages.
Character Guide
American Sign Language Interpreters – Access professionals who interpret the story of HONK! in ASL to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. In this production, they will stand on the left of the stage.
UGLY – Our story’s hero. Gawky and odd-looking, he is shunned for his odd appearance. Possesses a heart of gold.
IDA – Doting Mother of Ugly and the other four ducklings. She is a loving mother who is supportive of Ugly and loves him unconditionally.
CAT -Our story’s villian. Sly and cunning, and a very hungry cat who is always looking for his next meal.
DRAKE – Ugly’s Father who is unkind to his son. He is a bit flashy and self centered.
DUCKLINGS – Billy, Beacky, Downy and Fluff are the ducklings of Ida and Drake. They are cute but they become a little bratty as the show progresses and they are mean to their brother Ugly.
MAUREEN – Ida’s best friend who is also friends with Henrietta. They live near the water and like to gossip.
HENRIETTA – A friend of Maureen and Ida’s, she is a busybody.
TURKEY – The School Headmaster who likes to let everyone know how great he is. He is afraid of Thanksgiving.
GRACE – Most distinguished duck on the lake and the Governor. Proud, honest, and genuine.
JAY BIRD – Larger than life television personality. He covers news and happenings on the Farm.
GREYLAG – Commander of the Goose squadron who Ugly meets on his adventures. He is Dot’s husband. Greylag is Deaf and signs his line in American Sign Language.
Grelay’s Lieutenant – Assistant to Greylag, he speaks all of Greylag’s lines like an ASL interpreter would
DOT – Greylag’s kind wife. She helps Ugly and helps keep the Goose squadron in order.
LOWBUTT – Domesticated chicken living in the cottage alongside their best friend Queenie. They do not like being outdoors.
QUEENIE – Domesticated cat living in the cottage alongside their best friend Lowbutt. They do not like being outdoors.
BULLFROG – A laidback, self-confident frog who is encouraging, light-hearted, and optimistic. He convinces Ugly that someone will love them for them.
PENNY – A beautiful Swan that is kind, compassionate, and caring. Ugly’s only friend.
MOTHER SWAN – Tender compassionate, loving, and caring. Mother to Penny.
ENSEMBLE – Fish/Puppets, Geese and Frogs who dance and sing their way around the farm.