Rylie Revercomb, a senior at GPHS, takes center stage as Ugly in HONK! Jr. and she’s bringing the character to life with heart, humor, and a whole lot of personality. When asked about her favorite line in the show, she didn’t hesitate: “This is your daughter, dear.” “AAAARGHHH—I've created a MONSTER!” Revercomb says it’s the funniest moment in the play, which automatically makes it the best in her book. Beyond the laughs, Revercomb believes HONK! Jr. is a story everyone should see. It’s a heartfelt journey about finding yourself and learning to accept who you are, even when the world tries to tell you otherwise. From the very beginning, Ugly is different; she doesn’t look like her siblings and doesn’t fit in with the other ducks on the farm. However, through her adventure, she learns to embrace the characteristics that make her unique. She finds pride and love for herself, even in the face of teasing and bullying. That message of inner acceptance and self-love is what makes the show so powerful. And here’s a fun teaser: Revercomb wants the audience to know that Ugly actually has a real name, but you’ll have to see the show to find out what it is!

Eden Geier, a sophomore at GPHS, takes on multiple roles in HONK! Jr., including Greylag, Penny, and parts of both the Poultry and Blizzard ensembles. She’s bringing energy and versatility to the stage, and she’s loving every second of it. When asked about her favorite character, Geier chose Ida (played by Abby Hanson) because, from the very beginning, Ida is accepting and supportive of Ugly, even when no one else is. That kind of kindness really stands out. Geier believes HONK! Jr. tells a powerful and touching story. It’s not just about a duckling, it’s about learning that being different is okay and that you should never judge someone based on how they look. The message hits home, and Geier hopes audiences walk away feeling inspired to be more open-hearted and accepting. It’s a show full of heart, and Geier’s proud to be part of it.

Samantha Rivera, a junior at GPHS, brings her talent and energy to multiple roles in HONK! Jr., including Henrietta, Bullfrog, Goose Squadron, and Blizzard Ensemble. She’s been working hard behind the scenes and on stage to help bring this colorful, heartfelt show to life. When asked about her favorite character, Samantha chose Ida (played by Abby Hanson). She admires Ida because she doesn’t care what her son looks like, she loves him unconditionally, and stands by him no matter what. That kind of acceptance and support really stuck with Rivera and shows the deeper message of the show. Rivera wants people to know just how much work goes into a production like this. She says the cast memorizes every single line and song, even the ones that aren’t theirs, almost subconsciously. It’s like the whole show becomes second nature after all the rehearsals, and everyone is constantly supporting each other, whether they are on stage or off. For Samantha, being part of HONK! Jr. has been a fantastic experience. She’s proud to be part of a cast that’s not only talented but also incredibly dedicated. The show’s message, that being different is okay and that everyone deserves love and acceptance, is something she hopes the audience takes to heart. It’s more than just a musical; it’s a story that matters.