For the first time since before the pandemic, the Kaatza Lakeside Players are bringing theatre back to Lake Cowichan with Honk!
The musical comedy will run from April 27 to 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Centennial Hall in Lake Cowichan with 2 p.m. matinees on April 29 and 30. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, and are $25 for adults, $20 for youth and seniors, and just $10 for children 10 and under.
“We are so excited to bring community theatre back to the community for the first time since 2019,” said the Players’ vice president Darcy Baird. “We have missed being able to come together to create something beautiful and are grateful for all the volunteers that stayed involved during the pandemic and jumped at the first opportunity to get back on stage.”
Eight board members, 22 cast members, and a half-dozen volunteers have come together for this adaptation of the ugly duckling, celebrating that being different is a beautiful thing. The main character Ugly is quite different from his duckling siblings, which the other farm animals have no problem pointing out. While on a journey of self discovery Ugly meets a flock of unique characters, including a hungry cat that he outwits, and through it all discovers that being different can be divine.
“I discovered Honk! through a single song, ‘Different’ that got stuck in my head for years,” said director Meagan Devauld. “When I was researching musicals to direct it was the first one to pop up on a list and I felt compelled to finally check it out. Once I heard the music and saw all the wonderful characters, I just knew it was the one. It’s a beautiful story of difference and acceptance that I think the community will love.”
This is Devauld’s first time directing a production, but the arts course through her veins as she is both a professional musician and music teacher. She shares that is where her experience and strength lie. Growing up in Northern B.C. Devauld has fond memories as a kid choreographing her own plays with her best friend, and being involved as an actor and choreographer in her high school’s yearly musicals. She said these were her best memories growing up, and an experience she wanted to give her new community.
“It’s really important to encourage engagement for our community members as it’s been a time of feeling isolated since the pandemic kept us apart,” said Devauld. “We value bringing arts and culture to the Cowichan Lake district which brings people together.”
Devauld said she loves working with actors of all ages, as they gain self-confidence and make new friends.
“I think my favorite part is laughing with the actors as we determine how to waddle like an ugly duck, act like a cartoon frog or flap like a gaggle of goofy goslings. It’s the funny little details that bring it to life,” said Devauld. “We hope our community appreciates being able to have a fun outing that the whole family can enjoy and will be touched by this production with plenty of heart.”
chadd.cawson@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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