The Hartland High School Drama Club presents the musical “Honk!” Friday through Sunday, April 22-24, and April 29-May 1, at Hartland High School (HHS), 10635 Dunham Road in Hartland. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 24, at 1:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 1, at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are available online at www.hartlanddramaclub.com and at the door. Individual tickets purchased in advance are $16 for adults and $14 for students, children and seniors. Tickets purchased at the door are $18 for adults and $16 for students, children and seniors. Group rates are also available.
Until opening night, we are featuring one of the cast members of this production. Today, we feature Rachel Mah.
From a distinguished duck to a regal swan and a music-loving goose, the many roles played by Rachel Mah in Hartland Drama Club’s spring musical, “Honk!,” showcase her talent on the stage. The Hartland High School senior also shines behind the scenes as co-head of the show’s marketing crew, which works to promote the musical to the community.
Mah, who serves on the board of Hartland Drama Club as secretary, considers her participation in the club a cultivator of lasting friendships and unforgettable experiences.
We caught up with Mah to find out more about her involvement with “Honk!” — a funny and heartwarming celebration of what makes us special.
How has your participation in Hartland Drama Club impacted your high school experience?
Being in Drama Club has offered me so many opportunities and so much room to grow. It has also provided me with some of my closest friends and is a constant place to go to for fellowship and support.
How would you describe your characters and their unique traits?
I have multiple roles, so this will be fun! Her Grace is very pompous and regal in the fact that she stands at the top of the hierarchy on the farm — and she knows this very well and makes it well known to her farmyard friends and the audience. Snowy is a charismatic music lover (much like myself) who couldn’t care less about anything but music. She always has her headphones out, dancing to her favorite tunes. Lastly, Mother Swan is very euphoric and regal. Her presence is graceful and almost mystical. I’m sure that this is what Her Grace is attempting, but failing miserably, to be.
What do you hope audiences will take away from this production?
I hope the audience will find joy in the comedic production with the heartfelt message it portrays. I hope it resonates with each person in the audience, because when you can relate, the show becomes much more meaningful and personal.
What skills have you acquired or sharpened while leading your crew for this show?
While being marketing crew head, the most important thing I have learned is how to reach out to my crew members. Each person is so very different, so I had to learn how each person responds to different environments and conversations. This has most certainly been a joy, because when you learn how you can best help someone, the bond and friendship grow so much more since you can both be on the same level of communication and understanding.
What is your theater background? Did you get involved as a child, or is it more of a recent pursuit?
I joined Drama Club my freshman year for the spring musical when my friends all did it! I have since been in the plays “Clue” and “Murder on the 518,” and the musicals “The Music Man” and now “Honk!”
What extracurriculars and/or clubs are you involved with in addition to Hartland Drama Club?
Apart from spending the majority of my time in the auditorium, I am the president of Hartland High School Choirs, the graphic designer for Student Council, and the social commissioner for LINK; I am also involved in class council, National Honor Society, and my youth group.
What are your college plans and hopes for your future?
I am attending Eastern Michigan University as a Presidential Scholar! I intend to double major in interior design and music, and would like to go on for a master’s in architecture.
What will you remember most about your experience with this show?
Definitely all the friendships made and memories! Being with the same people for such a long period of time offers so many opportunities to grow together and make some really good laughs. Also, the fact that I will be rushing behind the scenes doing six quick changes with multiple other outfit changes, as well … the joy of playing multiple roles!
