‘Honk!’ if you like Ugly Duckling tale

You've heard the story of "The Ugly Duckling," but have you experienced it in song? The Rainbow Company Youth Theatre presents the musical "Honk!" based on the Hans Christian Andersen classic, at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, starting Friday.

The production features a cast of 35 local actors, ranging in age from 7 to more than 60 years old. Lucas Reilly plays the role of Ugly, and Jennifer Keanini plays his mother, Ida.

"Honk!" deals with current themes, addressing the problem of schoolyard bullying through the treatment other farm animals give the odd-looking Ugly. It eventually drives him to leave the farm, which leads to a journey of self-discovery.

"Along the way he meets people that put things into perspective," says Karen McKenney, artistic director at Rainbow Company Youth Theatre.

According to her, the show has wide-reaching appeal. It might be a tale traditionally targeted to children, but adults will find something significant in its messages, too. For instance, says McKenney, there are plenty of mother-child references that only mothers can truly appreciate.

Ultimately, the moral of finding beauty in all things, regardless of appearance, is one everyone can use a refresher on from time to time.

The Rainbow Company held auditions for "Honk!" in October and rehearsed for seven weeks. It puts on four productions a year, the next of which will be a tour show that McKenney will write. Following that, a new adaptation of "Rapunzel" is slated for spring.

The company, a Las Vegas Office of Cultural Affairs program, has produced actors that have gone on to work in TV commercials and shows, as well as Broadway productions.

But the after-school program provides more than a steppingstone for those interested in acting careers. These kids spend a lot of time at the theater, surrounded by people, says McKenney, who want to see them succeed.

Rainbow Company has had many of its alumni go on to become veterinarians, lawyers, doctors and teachers.

"We don't just train actors," says McKenney. "We train responsible adults as well."

"Honk!" runs at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Dec. 15 and 16 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 and 16 at the Charleston Heights Arts Center. Tickets can be purchased at artslasvegas.org and are $7 for adults, $5 for teens, seniors and military personnel, and $3 for children 12 and younger.

Contact Xazmin Garza at xgarza@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0477.