Dorseyville Middle School delivers lesson on self-discovery with 'Honk! Jr.'
Witty and heartwarming, the Dorseyville Middle School fall musical — “Honk! Jr.” — encourages students to celebrate their differences and stay true to themselves.
“It is fun and has a catchy musical score, but it has a really great message, too,” drama Director Pam Fiano said.
The show is 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday at the middle school auditorium, 3732 Saxonburg Blvd., Indiana Township.
Tickets are $7.50 and can be purchased online at showclix.com/event/honk-jr. They will also be will sold at the door if available.
Adapted from Hans Christian Andersen's “The Ugly Duckling,” the plot focuses on a peculiar-looking baby fowl who sets out on an adventure of self-discovery. With help from a flock of unique characters, he learns that being different is something of which to be proud.
“We have done several well-known Disney shows in recent years, so we decided to go in a different direction,” said Fiano, in her 13th year of working with middle school productions. “We involve students in pretty much every aspect and I am always so impressed with what a great job they do.”
Among the crew are 11- and 12-year-olds who run the sound board and lighting system. Others help with marketing and set design — which included oversized hay bales, papier-mache eggs and a large red barn.
Eighth-grader Jack Lorence portrays the role of “Drake.” The 14-year-old is in his third year of musicals and said he enjoys the thrill of performing in front of a live audience.
“You don't have to overthink and be nervous, you just have to stay in the moment and do your very best,” Jack said. “You will have a great time and put on a great show.”
Classmate Maia Gravina, 14, is putting her talents to use behind-the-scenes, helping to design the set.
In her first year participating in the fall musical, Maia said the cast and crew “become a family where you work to solve the problems that most people wouldn't even think would happen.”
She believes the audience will appreciate the creativity of the stage design, with its life-sized lily pads and straw nests built to fit three teens.
“It's so interesting and fun,” she said.
Fiano said each student gets a chance to shine, whether on stage or behind.
“It gives them an opportunity to do something they're passionate about,” she said. “It showcases their talents and skills and gives them an audience to applaud them for those abilities, which is very gratifying for them.”
Tawnya Panizzi is a staff writer for the Tribune-Review. Reach her at 412-782-2121.
