Based on “The Ugly Duckling” fable by Hans Christian Andersen, Honk, Jr. is rollicking comic musical tells a story about one bird’s journey to overcome adversity and another’s to understand and celebrate these differences. Lessons are learned about hardship and suffering, but more importantly, about rising above a difficult situation and loving who you are. The main character, Ugly, and his loving mother, Ida, learn these lessons. Together they prove that being different doesn’t need to be a weakness, but can be the greatest of strengths. Wheelock Family Theatre’s Advanced Performance Intensive in Musical Theatre is a class of young actors who have not yet entered high school. The 2 week WFT program culminates with a fully staged performance of the musical Honk, Jr. on the WFT main stage and open to the general public. Students in the intensive have prepared for their performance through daily musical and technical exercises, in-depth rehearsals, and character development through song and movement. The class is led by Ilyse Robbins, an –award-winning director and choreographer, John O’Neil, a teaching artist and WFT and celebrated cabaret performer, and Sophie Rich, a young teacher/director/producer who “grew up” at WFT.