Director's Notes

“We’re off on a wild goose chase. 

We will be no stranger to danger, 

the squadron will know no fear.”

So how does one produce theatre in a pandemic? This question haunted our production team ever since Mary Poppins was abruptly halted last year on March 12, 2020, five hours before our opening night.  

The answer: find a show with the ultimate flexibility. After researching theatre covid protocols, looking into which musicals have the rights to both digital streaming and digital capture, thinking about how to incorporate masks into the costume design, we came upon the gem of Honk! Jr.  While initially chosen to be a way forward in the haze of the fall’s pandemic pendulum, Honk! Jr.’s, heartwarming tale of the Ugly Duckling became more than a mere answer.

Honk! Jr. has resonated with our middle school cast as we look at what does “different” really means. At the end of the day, “different isn’t hateful, different could be swell, different is just well… different.” How affirming to end the entire show with the message that one doesn’t need to change to be loved, but “out there somewhere someone’s gonna love yer warts and all!”

The students haven’t been the only ones affected by the story and the songs. When I first started thinking about this show, I had recently found out that I was pregnant with my third child. My heart soars in Ida’s steadfast belief that her son was special in his own way and then my heart breaks with Ugly’s perpetual search for her. Now being 33 weeks pregnant, my feelings echo that of Ida and Maureen- who extol the virtues of motherhood until they commiserate into the minutiae of having babies again i.e. “waking you up at all hours.” 

I would be remiss in not thanking my wonderful team who helped me WAY beyond their titles. From climbing a 16 foot ladder for me, to dying their hands green to create hills, to showing kids animal walks more than the waddle I can provide, to dragging cables around the auditorium, they are just amazing in their selflessness. Our friendships continue to get stronger, and I can't wait to work together again.

I also want to take a moment to sincerely thank the students and parents for allowing us to make theatre possible this year. It has been a balm to my soul, and to all of the directors, and dare I say, to the students. There was such joy and easiness that followed this show. Maybe it was the virtual rehearsals when we heard my kids playing, or seeing Mrs. Marshall's cats fall off the bookcase, or watching pets attack students in the middle of rehearsals.  Either way- Honk! Jr. is one to remember!

We hope you stay connected to Pennbrook Theatre somehow next year and in the years to come! And yes, we are still hoping to produce Mary Poppins in late June. Thank you for joining us in our “wild goose chase” in flexibility. 

"Sing"cerely,

Mrs. Katie Campbell