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 Carmen Pushman.
Hartland High School sophomore Carmen Pushman is a self-proclaimed “theater kid” who has spent time on stage since the age of 5. Now, the talented thespian brings her passion for theater to her role as Cat, the sly, cunning villain in Hartland Drama Club’s “Honk!”
For the lead role, Pushman rises to the challenge with a sense of fun and good comedic timing. She even showcases some newly mastered ballroom dancing skills.
We asked Pushman about her experience with the humorous and heartwarming show based on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved story, “The Ugly Duckling.”
Does this show’s universal message of acceptance resonate with you? If so, how and why?
This amazing show is definitely about finding yourself and finding who you are. When I was much younger, I tried a few different sports, but in every one I found myself not loving it as much as the other kids in the sport did. I believe in order to be truly happy you have to find your thing. As soon as I joined my very first production, I knew I was home and that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
How has your participation in Drama Club impacted your high school experience?
Not only did joining Hartland Drama Club establish some of my now closest friends, but I’m constantly surrounded by people who love and support me and who I can love and support. School can feel long and treacherous, so it’s a great feeling to know at the end of the day, I get to go to practice!
How would you describe your character and her unique traits?
Cat is a malicious, conniving villain whose only intent is to have Ugly on her plate. She also won’t stop until she gets what she wants.
Would you be friends with your character in real life? Why or why not?
I would definitely love to have her around. I think she would be fun and exciting to hang with, but I wouldn’t become close with her because she’s kind of toxic.
What do you hope audiences will take away from this production?
I hope the audience takes away that it’s okay to look different and to be different, but that doesn’t mean you’re less important. Everyone is beautiful, no matter what your genetic makeup is.
What challenges did you encounter when preparing for your role? How did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge was definitely learning how to tango. It looks easy when you watch it on TV and such, but it’s actually really difficult, especially while singing and maintaining character!
What is your theater background? Did you get involved as a child, or is it more of a recent pursuit?
I did my first full onstage production at the age of 5. The minute I stepped onstage I knew that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life!
What extracurriculars and/or clubs are you involved with in addition to Hartland Drama Club?
I am a part of the DECA executive board.
Did the pandemic affect your appreciation of the arts? How so?
It did, 100 percent. Theater is quite literally my life; it’s the biggest thing that I care about. When COVID hit, my last Encore Youth Theater show got shut down and we were unable to perform. I became really sad and longed for the day I would be in a show again. I now know what it’s like to lose something you love, and it makes you appreciate things more.
What will you remember most about your experience with this show?
I will definitely remember the amazing friendships I built with the seniors. Some of them have become my closest friends, and one of them is my best friend. I will miss them so much, but am so grateful to have been able to create this amazing show with them.
