“HONK! JR.,” a contemporary and comic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling," will be presented March 15 through 17 at Knox Memorial Theatre.

Tickets for the musical are available online at MTVarts.com, at the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium office on South Main, and at the theater box office one hour prior to curtain.

MTVarts’ latest artsIQ youth theater production follows Ugly (Kale Oswalt), who hatches looking different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters (Lyvia VanValkenberg, Charlee Clinedinst, Mollie Jurkowitz, Kate Gottke). The other animals on the farm are quick to notice, and despite his loving (Kamryn Van Valkenburg) mother's protective flapping, Ugly’s odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. When Ugly is separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry (Reese Ferenbaugh) cat, he must find his way home. Along his harrowing yet hilarious journey, he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny but also finds love and acceptance in all its forms.

The production is directed by Serra Barrett, with music direction from Laura Ackert and choreography by Anthony Ingham. The production manager is Mary Harris, the acting coach/assistant director is Christopher Hartman, costumes are by Leah Miller and Mary Harris, set construction is by Mike Sears and Bill Szucs, props by Allison Smith, and the stage managers are Christina Cook and Christan Sears. Set design and artistic direction by Bruce Jacklin.

“HONK! JR.” carries a powerful message that has made this the perfect show for our local youth actors,” said director Serra Barrett. “The musical’s messages of resilience, belonging, and transformation ring true in today’s world and make coming into rehearsals both fun and enlightening for our youth actors.”