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StarStruck Theatre to Produce Honk Jr. - December 11th - 12th

The uplifting one act musical interpretation based on The Ugly Duckling to kick-off holiday season

November 27, 2015
We live in a time where we are inundated with images and expectations of what is perceived to be “attractive” and “normal.” From movies and television shows to magazines and TV advertisements, it is difficult to escape the bombardment of messages telling us what to wear, and how to look and behave. From birth, these societal standards have been imposed upon us, oftentimes subliminally. It is easy to fall into the trap of judging others as well as ourselves by these faulty norms.

This holiday season, StarStruck Academy & Theatre invites you to break out of this societal trap. On December 11, 2015 and December 12, 2015, StarStruck will present HONK Jr., a one act musical about embracing the human traits each of us have that make us unique or different - that sets us apart from the norm. Loosely based on the classic tale The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Anderson, HONK Jr. will not only entertain audiences, but will remind them about what is truly important – being yourself.

StarStruck Theatre, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is Martin County’s only Children’s Theatre, producing award-winning, high caliber musicals and plays featuring talented youth the organization has cultivated through their esteemed academy.

“The cast and crew have been rehearsing for HONK Jr. since September,” said Jennifer Jones, co-owner of StarStruck and director of HONK Jr. “What many people don’t realize about our ‘Junior’ productions is that the talent of these students is of a caliber, quality and maturity of adult performers and the set, costumes and production elements are equal and often exceed that of a regional community theatre. Our Junior shows can be enjoyed by the entire community and we have patrons who travel from throughout the Treasure Coast and Palm Beaches to enjoy them. HONK Jr. is the perfect show for both seasoned and first time theatre goers, and a great way to introduce your children or grandchildren to the theatre,” Jones added.

A notable example of the exceptional offerings at StarStruck was their most recent production of Children of Eden Jr., which was a pilot for two Broadway icons, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Godspell) and John Caird (Les Miserables). They flew in from New York and London on November 14th to visit StarStruck and see the show and help transform it into an official Broadway Junior production.

“The production was sophisticated and professional. The costumes, the sets, the direction and of course, the music, were pivotal in the production,” said Leah Holtzberg, audience member at Children of Eden. “Jennifer and Peter Jones have such a gift in drawing out the talent and dedication in these young people and they are so passionate about their work! These gifts the students exhibited will give them comfort and confidence throughout their lives. I live in Delray Beach and drive to StarStruck to see their productions. I can’t wait to see HONK Jr. in December. It will be the perfect kick-off to the holidays and its message of love and tolerance is perfect for any audience. And it’s a message we should all be paying attention to.”

HONK Jr. runs Friday, December 11th at 7:00 PM, Saturday, December 12th at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Tickets range in price from $19.99 to $29.99. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the box office at 772-283-7797 or go to www.starstruckfl.com

“Things can get hectic during the holiday season and sometimes people can lose sight of what’s important,” added Jones. “Take time to come see HONK Jr. and remind yourself that it is okay to be different, to do what makes you happy, and to seek out friendships of people who love and respect you for who you are.” 

Jordan LoSardo, Christina Shute, Zoey Meixner, Ava Pearl, Vienna Wyler, Emma Garner and Justin Block rehearse for HONK Jr., an uplifting musical about being yourself.
 

About StarStruck Academy & Theatre

Martin County’s only Children’s Theatre, StarStruck Theatre, Inc. is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to maintaining the highest quality theatre on the Treasure Coast. Founded in 2000 by Jennifer and Peter Jones, StarStruck Academy & Theatre promotes artistic excellence and molds creative, well-rounded performing artists. The combination of school and theatre enhances the cultural landscape of our community as StarStruck is poised to educate, support and nurture innovative and artistic opportunities for all ages and all people. Young people who experience performance opportunities early in life are fueled with higher self-esteem, confidence and success as adults, regardless of their profession.

StarStruck is the only children’s theatre on the Treasure Coast that offers an exceptional and professional performance atmosphere in which young performers can train and draws talent from prestigious arts schools in Palm Beach County.

StarStruck Academy & Theatre is an official Pilot School recognized by Music Theatre International, one of the world's leading theatrical licensing agencies which grants schools, as well as amateur and professional theatres, from around the world the rights to perform the largest selection of great musicals from Broadway and beyond. Having the Pilot School designation creates opportunities for students to be discovered by Broadway producers, composers and directors through StarStruck’s Broadway caliber Jr. productions.

For more information visit www.starstruckfl.com or www.facebook.com/StarStruckFan.