Honk if you love comedy

Middletown — Ugly, the principal character in Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling,” will come to life on the Orange Hall Theatre stage for four shows in April as the SUNY Orange Apprentice Players offer “Honk! Jr.,” a musical retelling of Andersen’s cherished tale. Although based upon a fairy tale, this production will provide a Broadway-style musical suitable for the entire family, not just young children. “Honk! Jr.” will open with two shows — 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. — on Saturday, April 5 followed by single performances on Sunday, April 6 at 3 p.m. and Saturday, April 12 at 2 p.m. The Apprentice Players, under the direction of Cynthia Topps for this production, will relay the story of Ugly, an odd-looking baby duck who is on a quest to find his mother. Soon after he is born, Ugly is lured away from his home by a sly tomcat who wants to eat Ugly for dinner. Eventually, Ugly manages to escape, but has no idea how to return home. What follows is an entertaining story of the interesting and rambunctious characters he meets along his way. Ticket prices for “Honk! Jr.” are: $12, general admission; $10, senior citizens, faculty and alumni; $6, students; and free for active duty military personnel. For reservations, call 341-4789. For more information, call 341-4790.