For centuries, fairy tales have served as timeless morality plays, shaping the hearts and minds of impressionable young readers. But what if the lessons of these cautionary fables could be delivered with a touch of whimsy and a catchy tune? This summer, Pasadena’s First United Methodist Church (FUMC) is aiming to do just that with their upcoming production of the Olivier Award-winning musical “Honk!”
“Honk!” is no ordinary duck tale. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic story “The Ugly Duckling,” the musical follows the heartwarming journey of Ugly, a cygnet born different from his siblings into a unsuspecting duck’s nest.
FUMC Summer Musical will presents “Honk!” for four nights this summer. The performances, free to attend, will unfold on July 31, August 1, 2, and 3 at 7 p.m.
Set in the countryside, the musical follows the journey of Ugly, a cygnet mistakenly born into a duck’s nest. Rejected by most, Ugly finds support from his mother, Ida, and encounters various barnyard characters, including a cunning tomcat with ulterior motives.
Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s 1843 story “The Ugly Duckling,” “Honk!” incorporates a message of tolerance. The musical adaptation brings this timeless tale to life with music and humor.
The church, located at 500 E. Colorado Blvd, describes “Honk!” as “a tale of acceptance and love” based on the classic fairy tale. This year’s summer musical aims to share this beloved story with both the church community and the broader Pasadena area.
“Honk!” features a book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe and music by George Stiles, collectively known as the British songwriting duo Stiles and Drewe. The musical opened at the Watermill Theatre in England in 1993.
The show’s West End production opened in 1999 and went on to win the 2000 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Since then, it has become a popular choice for schools, regional theaters, and community groups across Britain, the United States, and Canada.
In addition to the performances, FUMC is offering pre-show dinners at 5:30 p.m. before each performance. Adult dinner tickets are priced at $25, while children 12 and under can dine for $12.
To make dinner reservations, visit https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z48C/campaign/C-12QZR. FUMC encourages early reservations to ensure availability.
For more information about FUMC Pasadena, visit https://fumcpasadena.org/.
