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, 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.
From now until opening night, we’ll be featuring a member of the production.
Music has always been central to the life of Hartland High School senior David Samson. Now, audiences can see Samson pour his heart and soul into his role as Ugly in Hartland Drama Club’s spring musical, “Honk!”
The heartwarming and humorous production — a retelling of the classic story of “The Ugly Duckling” — showcases Samson’s performing arts talent as he portrays the main character on his adventure of self-discovery.
We caught up with Samson, who also serves as Drama Club treasurer, to ask him about his experience with leading the talented cast of the family friendly show.
Does this show’s universal message of acceptance resonate with you? If so, how and why?
Absolutely. I believe as humans we seek out love and connection, so it is important to celebrate the things that make us unique and special. This show promotes acceptance rather than solely tolerance, which I believe is very important, as we are all created beautifully.
How would you describe your character and his unique traits?
I would describe Ugly as unique, lively, curious, somewhat naive, and impressionable.
What do you hope audiences will take away from this production?
I hope audiences realize that everyone is different, that there is no singular way we should “be,” and that these differences don’t make us inferior; rather, they make us beautiful and unique. We should be celebrating our differences instead of tearing other people down.
What is your theater background? Did you get involved as a child, or is it more of a recent pursuit?
I have been involved only in high school. I was in the Barbershop Quartet of “The Music Man” during my freshman year.
What extracurriculars and/or clubs are you involved with in addition to Hartland Drama Club?
I am on the Hartland High School Varsity Cross Country and Track teams, I sing in Chamber Choir, I am a member of the National Honors Society, I take private piano lessons, and I work as a professional pianist at a local church.
What are your college plans and hopes for your future?
I will be attending Northwestern University and will major in biological sciences and minor in Spanish and, maybe, music.
What will you remember most about your experience with this show?
I will remember having to step out of my comfort zone. I’ve never been a lead, I’ve never really danced, and I haven’t had much acting experience. This show has taught me to be comfortable doing things that are foreign to me and to enjoy the process of learning new skills. I will also remember the incredible collaboration that went into making this show wonderful.
