Once again the Wootton Center of the Arts has pulled off another phenomenal musical. From Children of Eden to Sweeney Todd and now to Honk! the show quality and talent keeps improving.

The casting of Honk! was well selected and each actor/actress portrayed their characters wonderfully.

“My favorite part [of the musical] was the really talented cast. Everyone was so focused and so talented,” senior Keith Schwartz said, who played the lead role of Ugly.

The set, lighting, and sound coalesced for a memorable experience. Everyone was shocked to see that the costumes where not animal costumes but were, in fact, simply regular clothing. The confusion was evident through the audiences’ low mumbling of curiosity that could be heard when no animal costumes were to be seen.

It was clear that each scene had been thoroughly rehearsed; the actors executed their lines perfectly and with very little hesitation. The opening act was amusing and catchy. The music was upbeat and was really a great way to grasp the audience’s attention, which the audience applauded for louldy when the curtains closed.

The costumes were “retro” and unique. Every person had their own personalized costume that consisted of resplendent colors and patterns.

The music in the show was also exceptional. The pit orchestra did an excellent job of providing a light tone throughout the musical. The actors and actresses maintained rhythm and their voices.

“I really enjoyed playing the music for the show. And the way the actors coincided with the music helped provided a great show,” senior Aaron Shakin, a part of the pit, said.

The stage and lighting were well thought-out and on cue. The stage set was detailed and fit the show very well.

“The set had a lot more detail in it than most of the other shows. A lot of time was spent on the grass, eggs, and flats in the back because of the detail required,” said sophomore Wolfie Devine, assistant stage manager. “This particular production had relatively few set changes. Other than moving the eggs on and off stage, the set changes only required two or three people.”

Most of the audience found the scene, The Marsh, a Late Summer Morning, a humorous piece. The Cat, played by senior Max Swider, as well as Queenie, played by sophomore Jordan Smilan-Goldstein, and Lowbutt, played by junior Stephanie Helwig took part in a not so PG scene.

“For a PG show, the scene was rated NC-17,” sophomore Anna Agarunova joked.

The scene was about the Cat falling in love with Queenie. They expressed their infatuation by dancing and passionately “hugging” each other.

“I had been warned sufficiently,” said Mr. Goldstein, Jordan’s father. The audience found this scene funny, and it elicited relaxed laughter.

Although, Honk! was very different from Sweeney Todd in music, setting, and genre, the cast and crew were pleased with the outcome. It was obvious that a lot of thought was put into this production.

“I knew that I needed to do something to hit the community,” director Carla Ingram said. It appears Ingram’s goal was achieved as Honk! attracted people of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents.

“Every minute [of this show] was exciting and interesting and a great learning experience,” junior Rachel Lipman, who played Ida, Ugly’s mother.

When it comes to putting on musicals, Wootton knows how to put on quite a performance.