Hope Summer Repertory Theatre (HSRT) opens its final show of the season on July 26 at 8p.m. with the family musical, Honk!

When Hans Christian Andersen penned his tale of the ugly duckling, he probably would have been surprised at what writer Anthony Drewe and composer George Stiles would do with the story. Honk! is a retelling of the classic tale with adults in mind, although the whole family will love this musical.

It's success was seen when Honk! beat out The Lion King to win Britain's prestigious 2000 Oliver Award for best musical.

A wry sense of humor, fun songs, and outstanding writing breathe new life into this classic. Plus, HSRT holds nothing back as three Equity Guest Artists star in the play, along with the energy of recent Hope graduate, Quincy Marr as Ugly. Susan Ericksen (Fully Committed) as the mother, Chip DuFord (Wizard of Oz, Joseph) as the dad, and Dana Synder (Charley's Aunt, Irma Vep) create a strong central cast under the direction of seasoned HSRT director, Fred Tessler. They are supported by other HSRT company members, as well as some local children as the little ducklings.

Honk! also runs July 27, 29, 31, August 2, 3, 6, 8, and 10. In addition to the usual 8 p.m. shows, August 6 and 8 will also include 2 p.m. matinee shows.

While at the box office, be sure to reserve tickets for the other great HSRT mainstage shows, including the musical, Footloose; the comedy, Charley's Aunt and the haunting, Woman in Black. HSRT's "second stage" show is the one-woman comedy Fully Committed, while we enjoy a return to the movies in the cabaret show, Hooray For Hollywood. The Children's Performance Troupe is presenting Judith Viorst's Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day and the Grimm's brothers' tale, The Bremen Town Musicians.

Tickets are available now. The ticket office is located in the DeWitt Center, on the Hope College campus, at the corner of 12th Street and Columbia Avenue in Holland. Prices range from $8-$24 for musicals, and $8-$18 for plays. Ticket office hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays, and one hour before all show times. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 616-395-7890.