Director's Note:
Working on this production has been a profoundly rewarding experience, and I want to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible cast and crew. Their dedication, creativity, and passion have brought this story to life in ways that continually inspire me. Every rehearsal reminded me of the immense talent and heart in this group, and I am endlessly thankful for their hard work and trust in this process.
This play is about people who feel like outsiders—those who are different from what society deems “normal.” It’s a theme that resonates deeply with me, and I hope it will with you, too. If you are reading this and have ever felt like you don’t fit in, I want you to know that you are seen, you are valued, and you are not alone. My hope is that this production serves as a beacon of light, reminding us all of the strength and beauty in embracing who we are.
We live in a world where inclusivity and kindness can make all the difference. This play is a call to celebrate our shared humanity and extend compassion to those who may not walk the same path as us. Thank you for being here, and for joining us in this conversation about acceptance and love.
Executive Director
Estimated duration:
2 hours with one 15-minute intermission
Please Note:
Fog and flashing lights are used in this show.
CAST:
Nathan Groome – Ugly
Anya Guadamuz – Ida
Charlotte Darling – Cat
Soap Khan – Drake
Jackie Edwards – Grace/Dot
Phil Edwards – Turkey/Greylag
Derek Wilson – Bullfrog/Cardinal
Alex Daugherty – Jaybird/Penny/Cat Understudy
Onyx Walsh– Barnacles/Ugly Understudy
Anna Holbrook – Henrietta/Lowbutt
Becki Perez – Maureen/Queenie
Kaya Bond – Billy
Riley Doener – Fluff
Paige Cissna – Beaky
Amelie McClain – Downy
Elsa Enquist Hinz – Pinkfoot/Peacock
Eden LaRock – Snowy/Quail/Jaybird & Penny Understudy
CREATIVE CREW:
Mark Alford – Director/ OFT Executive Director
Nick Hall – Musical Director
Emma Thomas – Stage Manager
Elijah Bellis – Lighting Designer/Co-Music Director/Pianist
Kefa Crow – Sound Designer
Jordanna Averett – Set Designer
Alayna Chamberland – Costume Designer/ OFT Production Manager
Vanessa Cat – Prop Designer/ Choreographer/ Costuming/ Ida Understudy
Jupiter Shellman – Sound Board Operator
Kaiah Costa – Light Board Operator
Jackie Edwards – Costuming
SPECIAL THANKS!
Thanks to the following people and organizations that helped us put this production on stage!
Special THANK YOU to Elijah for redoing our lighting grid!
Over the past several weeks, Elijah Bellis (Pianist, Lighting Designer, and Co-Music Director for Honk) volunteered to redo our entire lighting grid set up. This included taking down every single individual light from the grid, inspecting each of them, replacing all components of the lights that needed replacing, reworking the power connections for each individual light for maximum efficiency, and more. This was an immense undertaking and resulted in a major upgrade for the theater. OFT cannot thank Elijah enough, along with those who assisted his work: Nathan Groome, Vanessa Postil, Gloria Bacon, Soap Kahn, Charlotte Darling, and Chris Brandon.
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CAST BIOS:
Nathan Groome
(he/him)
Ugly
Nathan Groome has found it an honor to have the opportunity to laugh, cry, play, and live in Ugly’s webbed shoes. He would like to send a huge thank you to everyone at OFT, and to you, the audience, for continuing to support the performing arts, and in turn, keeping these spaces alive–spaces that invite connection, build support systems, address social issues, challenge norms, and promote growth and learning. In Honk, Ugly spends much of the show ostracized from his community, searching for a place that will see beyond his contrived differences. Ugly eventually finds it within a transformed duckyard, a community who makes the strong and conscious choice to create positive change. As a trans person living through our increasingly uncertain times, Nathan has in turn found that space in the metamorphic communities built through theatre. He invites you to think about the rules and expectations set up and broken down in Honk’s duckyard community, and how similar limiting expectations may exist in the communities around you. How might we instead be allies like Ida, breaking norms, and encouraging acceptance and positive change? And to everyone out there who is also “different”: Hold your head up high, and keep paddling. Your existence is revolutionary.
Anya Guadamuz
(they/them)
Ida
Anya Guadamuz is delighted to be making their stage debut at Olympia Family Theater this season. You may recognize them from their varied involvement in OFT MainStage shows and camps, but this time around they are getting their ducks in order to breathe life into the character of Ida! Anya Guadamuz is a voice teacher, current masters student at WGU, and part-time practicing astrologer. In their free time, they enjoy supporting their favorite pop stars in concert, attending local drag and burlesque shows, and sleeping in after the aforementioned affairs. Anya would like to extend a huge thank you to their best friends (you know who you are), mother, and newly rescued (and totally blind) german shepherd Oso, for all their love and encouragement during the making of this production.
Charlotte Darling
(she/her)
Cat/ Costuming
Charlotte is thrilled to be involved with her first on stage production in almost six years. Previous roles include Sally Bowles in Cabaret (Centralia Community College), Hope Cladwell in Urine Town (State Theater), and Ginger DelMarco in Ruthless (Harlequin Productions).
Soap Khan
(they/he)
Drake
Soap Khan is thrilled to be performing in their first ever Olympia Family Theater production. A student at the Evergreen State College studying historical ecology and spatial theory, his previous acting experience has taken place through the Evergreen Theatre Club’s Discus (Hyacinth) and Tick, Tick… BOOM! (Michael). Beyond theater, he sings in the Evergreen Chamber Singers, plays horn with a healthy variety of orchestras, and writes for the Cooper Point Journal. They would like you to do us all the favor of reflecting upon the gender politics of Honk! and promise to protect those in your community who find themselves in the transitional space that Ugly finds himself in.
Jackie Edwards
(she/her)
Grace/Dot/ Costuming
Jackie is thrilled to be in her first show with Olympia Family Theater. She has performed throughout the Northwest and California and was last seen as Widow Paroo in the Music Man at Tacoma Musical Playhouse. She is also a Music Director, Accompanist, and Costume Designer. In her spare time she loves to tend her flock of four hens at home with husband Phil.
Phil Edwards
(he/him)
Turkey/Greylag
Phil has been performing all over the PNW, including as an Elvis Tribute Artist. He met his wife Jackie in a production of Man of La Mancha. Most recently he was seen as Jamal in Margaritaville at TMP. When he isn’t performing he loves being a teacher at North Mason High School.
Derek Wilson
(he/him)
Bullfrog/Cardinal
Derek is thrilled to discover the vibrant art community in South Puget Sound, after moving to Centralia three years ago. Since retiring from building rockets at Blue Origin, Derek has thrown himself into artistic pursuits. He sings baritone with the a cappella chorus the Two Town Tuners and the quartet Sound Round Town. Previously he played Constable Joe in Tuck Everlasting, Selsdon Mowbray/The Burglar in Noises Off, and appeared in ensemble roles in James and the Giant Peach and Addams Family the Musical. He would like to thank Olympia Family Theatre for welcoming him.
Alex Daugherty
(she/her)
Jaybird/Penny/Cat Understudy
This is Alex’s first show outside of a school, and is so grateful to be given the opportunity to have been in such an amazing show! Before Honk, Alex was a part of all of her high school theatre shows at Black Hills High School and knew from there she wanted to be an actor. As of 2024, she has graduated with her Bachelors in Theatre Arts from Saint Martin’s University while also being a part of the staff and Pacific Northwest Theatre, a non-profit program that teaches kids the beauty of musical theatre. She has both choreographed, assistant directed, and directed a few shows with them; the most recent project being Newsies Junior over the summer, directing it. She wants to thank her wonderful family, friends, and partner for supporting her in making her dreams of being an actor come true and thanks everyone in the audience for coming and supporting live theatre! Enjoy the show! Honk!
Onyx Walsh
(he/him)
Barnacles/Ugly Understudy
Onyx has been involved in the performing arts for longer than he can remember. He has been in several musicals including Addams Family, Pippin, and House of Mirth. This will be his first time being in a main stage production at OFT. He is so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of Honk, this show has been a lot of fun and a lot of responsibility and he is excited to perform it. He would like to thank his friends, family, (and cats) for supporting him.
Anna Holbrook
(she/her)
Henrietta/Lowbutt/ Mother Goose
Anna “Andi” Holbrook, is so excited to be playing Henrietta, Lobutt, and Mother Swan in this production of Honk! She could recently be seen performing at SPSCC as Marjory in The Moors and Beth in Hurricane Diane. Outside of theatre, her hobbies include spinning yarn (in both senses of the term), reading, and playing with her cat, Ponyo. She would like to thank her family as well as her girlfriend for being endless wells of support.
Becki Perez
(she/her)
Maureen/Queenie
Becki Perez is delighted to be returning to the OFT stage as Maureen and Queenie in Honk! She has previously performed with Evergreen Playhouse (James and the Giant Peach and Noises Off) and Olympia Little Theater (In the Gutter, Clue, Man From Earth). She’d like to thank Mowgli, Peggy, and Linguini for their cat snuggles and her partner Trevor, for his endless support and care.
Kaya Bond
(he/him)
Billy
This is Kaya’s first mainstage show at OFT. The reason he enjoys being in “Honk the Musical” is because it has a good message. Kaya has recently performed in The Lorax with Page to Stage. When not performing, Kaya likes to take guitar and voice lessons. He wants to thank Mark for helping us feel confident in this play. He would also like to thank his cast for being wonderful to work with.
Riley Doerner
(she/her)
Fluff
Riley, who plays the role of Fluff the Duckling, is thrilled to be in her very first play here at Olympia Family Theater.
Paige Cissna
(she/her)
Beaky
Paige is a sixth grader this year and is excited to be a part of the musical. This is her first time working with OFT. She has performed in Honk Jr. (froglet , geese, 3 blind mice), Beauty and the Beast Jr. (LeFou), and Flat Stanly Jr. (cousin Sophia). Paige loves to play sports like softball and cross country. She’s been playing softball for 5 years. It’s her favorite sport..
Amelie McClain
(she/her)
Downy
Amelie is so enthused to be performing in her third mainstage show and first musical with OFT. Her favorite part about being in this production has been learning and singing new, awesome songs and making new friends with the other theater kids. You may have previously seen her perform as Piglet and the Velveteen Rabbit at OFT. When not onstage, Amelie loves to sing, play piano, and play fastpitch on the Electric Tigers, coached by her dad.
Elsa Enquist Hinz
(she/they)
Pinkfoot/Peacock
Elsa Enquist-Hinz entered this world over 15 years ago as a tiny little fighter. From that day forward, she has forged her own path into the world of acting with determination and spirit. Elsa has always felt at home on the stage. Even at 5 years old she received the loudest applause for her over-the-top performance as ‘brown bear.’ Elsa has performed in many musicals including Something Rotten, and several Nutcracker productions. In the Spring of 2023, Elsa was in the OFT production Alice In Wonderland. She finds herself portraying many animals, including a rat in the Nutcracker and a rabbit in Alice. She has also enjoyed acting classes offered through OFT, especially Improv. Elsa is delighted to be in another production at OFT where her animal repertoire continues.
Eden LaRock
(they/them)
Snowy/Quail/Jaybird and Penny Understudy
Eden is absolutely thrilled to be in Honk the Musical! This is their first show at Olympia Family Theater. When not onstage, Eden sings in two choirs and plays their piano. They would like to thank their parents for all of the work they put into getting them to and from rehearsal – it would not have been possible without Lindsey and Brody.
CREWS BIOS:
Mark Alford
(he/they)
Director
Mark is thrilled to be part of this wonderful team! He is the Executive Director at Olympia Family Theater, and couldn’t be more honored to have the opportunity to work with such incredible local artists. Mark has directed locally with almost every Olympia theater company, and loves working in our local theater scene. He hopes you enjoy this heart-felt production!
Nick Hall
(he/him)
Musical Director
Nick is returning for his second show at OFT, only this time behind the scenes as music director and pit musician. You may have seen him here previously in last year’s The Lightning Thief, playing Luke/Ares. He has performed throughout the Olympia area, having worked with Harlequin Productions as Tobias in Sweeney Todd, Watson in Sherlock Holmes’ Baskervilles!, and Sancho Panza in Man of La Mancha. Currently Nick runs the drama program at Black Hills High School and the jazz band at Pope John Paul II High School. Go wolves and eagles!
Emma Thomas
(she/her)
Stage Manager
A longtime member of the Olympia Family Theater community, Emma is thrilled to continue her involvement as the stage manager for Honk! She studied theatre and TESOL at Central Washington University and has previously been seen onstage at OFT, Olympia Little Theatre, and Olympia High School. She would like to thank the cast and crew for their hard work and dedication to this wonderful show, as well as her family and her boyfriend for their love and support.
Elijah Bellis
(he/they)
Lighting Designer/Co-Music Director/Pianist
Elijah Bellis is an Olympia based lighting designer and musical director/pianist who has worked shows at SPSCC, Evergreen State College, Harlequin Productions, Lakewood Playhouse, and more. Previously at OFT, they have designed Wizard of Oz, and played for Wizard of Oz and Lightning Thief. They also recently redid the entire lighting system at OFT – so really enjoy the lights! He is so grateful to the amazing cast and crew for the fantastic teamwork that went into putting this production on, and he hopes you enjoy the show!
Kefa Crow
(he/him)
Sound Designer
Kefa Crow is an autodidactic Sound Designer/Tech/Engineer, Composer, Producer, Foley Artist, Stagehand, Multi-Instrumentalists Musician, Performer, Skater, Father, Activist and Community Organizer. They have worked on many theatrical productions since 2018 and on public/private events for over a decade. They have zero tolerance for hate and litter bugs!
Jordanna Averett
(she/her)
Set Designer, Lead Production Carpenter, & Scenic Artist
Jordanna is an Olympia based artist and theater creative. She loves working behind the scenes for our local theaters – most especially when she can build, paint, or otherwise get her hands messy. Recent favorites include being on the build team for String and Shadow’s giant puppet show: Or So it Would Seam, and set designing/working the fly rail for Hurricane Diane with the SPSCC Theater Collective. Jordanna is grateful to work with the passionate and kind folks at OFT. Thank you to David for all his mentorship. All my love to Danny.
Alayna Chamberland
(she/her)
Costume Designer/OFT Production Manager
Alayna is so happy to be able to spread her costumer wings with this production. Every character’s outfit in this show is based off of a real animal from a moorhen to a tuxedo cat! When not crafting or hanging out with her family and zoo at home, Alayna spends time as the Production Manager for us here at Olympia Family Theater. She hopes that you enjoy the show!
Vanessa Cat
(she/her)
Prop Designer/ Choreographer/ Costuming/ Ida Understudy
Vanessa is an Olympia based performing artist, dancer, choreographer, producer, musician, actor, Teaching Artist, mama, and lover of cats. Vanessa has been working in theater and performance for over 20 years, and is very grateful to be part of this production here at OFT.
Jupiter Shellman
(they/them)
Sound Board Operator
Jupiter has been working with OFT for several years, as a website designer, light board operator and lighting designer. Previous favorite productions include The Wind in the Willows, Flora & Ulysses, Fishnapped! (OFT), Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom, Legally Blonde, and Pirates of Penzance (Olympia High School). Special thanks to their family for always supporting them!
Kaiah Costa
(she/her)
Light Board Operator
Previous OFT roles include Toto in The Wizard of Oz, Mirror Toad in The Wind in the Willows, and numerous daytime show productions. She currently serves on the board of directors at OFT. When Kaiah isn’t acting or tech-ing, she sings with the Capitol City Chorus.
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Caring for the urban forest since 1998.
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Olympia Coffee’s success is grounded in our quality-of-life mission, which has lead us to create direct trade partnerships with coffee farmers worldwide in eight countries spanning 3 continents.
Special Thanks to our MEMBERS:
Ensamble Members:
Kerry Beardsley
Michael Corcoran
Jennifer Guyant
Leah Kosik
Tom Lockhart
Hugh McGavick
Donna Myers
Pier Petersen
Cara Preuss
Ryan Rodriquez
Janelle Tyler
Director’s Circle Members:
Krishna Chowdary
Laura Deaton
Trina and Gary Delaney
Toni Dewees
Lacy Fehrenbach
Jonathan LeFaive
Diana and Stephen Purvine
Aaron Wiggett
Katie Wiggett
Members:
Dave Alford
Susan L Allen
Bret & Mary Anderson
Melanie Asher
Patricia Atkins
Rayven Barcelou
Stefanie Booth
Linda Boyer
Martha S Buck
Rose Clifthorne
Thaddeus Curtz
Noelle Daniels
Carolyn Darrow
Marisa Dillard
Marla Elliott
Christopher Ertel
Lori Fascilla
Susan Faubion
Hanna Gash
Nancy Gaston
Lee Ann Gekas
Korja Giles
Max Gordon
Marcia Haggerty
Flavia Hulsey
Jennie Jenks
Carolee Johnson
Kursta Joslin
Amy Keltner
John Linderman
Vicki Lovegren
Pamela Lykins
Katelyn May
Virginia McCabe
Claudia McClain
Nicole Miller
Victoria Ney
David and Jane Nowitz
Doris Penfield
Penny Purkerson
Melanie Ransom
Jerry Romasco
Kristi Rutledge
Lillian Ryan
Mayra Salaiza
Jeannie Simpson
Katie Stemmene
Christopher Taylor
Kenneth Thiessen
Eric and Tracy Thomas
Angela Tobias
If your info is missing or incorrect, please contact Mark Alford here.
Thank You to our GALA PARTICIPANTS:
Thank you to the generous supporters who bid on items and/or attended our very successful GALA fundraiser at SPSCC in early May.
Mark Alford
L.M. Attea
Susanna Bailen Acevedo
Toby Batcheldor
David Bayne
Kerrie Blackburn
Alyssa Bleckwehl
Derek Bumrungsiri
Nicole Butigan
Clay Campbell
Jill Carter
Marisa Caughlan
Alayna Chamberland
Samantha Chandler
Edsonya Charles
Heather & Michael Christopher
Stephanie Claire
Aaron Coby
Sandy Cocanour
Mary & Patrick Concannon
Kaiah & Pete Costa
Bonnie Cotton
Max Crabapple
Sarah Davis
Sara Develle
Peter & Robin Downey
Allison Dumas
Debe Edden
Meredith Ehlers
Keith Eisner
Caroline Flores
Veronica, Carlos & Elise Garcia
Luz Gaxiola
Yulia, Leopold & Irina Gendelman
Korja Giles
Christine Goode
Meghan Goodman
Andrew Gordon
Anya Guadamuz
Miriam Hathaway
Tealah Hill
Jeff Hsu
Hiroko Ishii
Bonnie Jacques
Matt Jarbo
Keoki Kauanoe
Morgan Kelley
Elisabeth Kingsbury
Lexis knight
Brian & Aylis Lind
Lauren Love
Valerie Lynn
Margaret MacRae
Ben & Heather Matthews
Ashley McBee
Maren McBeth
Emily McHugh
Robin McPherson
Melissa Mead
Nicole Miller
Lily Montoya
Liam Mooney
Titus Mutchler
Elizabeth Napolitano
Jimmy Nguyen
Doreese Norman
Jane & David Nowitz
Debbie Overstreet
Donald Palardy
Kristine Pepper
Pier Petersen
Constance Phegley
Rebeca Potasnik
Travis Prather
Diana & Stephen Purvine
Kristina Ralls
Angel Ramirez
Stacey & Tyler Ray
Ashleigh Rhinehart
Rebecca Rogers
Oswaldo Rosaro
Kristi Rutledge
Jen & Ted Ryle
Mandy Ryle
Melissa Sampson
Thomas Sanders
Mike Santana
Alexis Sarah
Andrea Schmitt
Bryanna Selders
guest of Bryanna Selders
Andrea Severson
Nick & Deane Shellman
Micah Sherman
Wesley Shoemaker
Sara St.Clair
Jan Teague
Sara Thiessen
Kyle Thiessen
Jonnita Thompson
Karen, Michael & Sonja Ulrich
Victor, Kaelyn, Joaquin & Katherine Velazquez
Lauren & Steven Wells
Chris Wickham
Teresa Winstead
ORGANIZATION CREDITS:
OFT Staff
Executive Director
Mark Alford
Production Manager
Alayna Chamberland
Development Manager
Melissa Sampson
Box Office Manager & Bookkeeper
Tracy Thomas
Education Manager
Lex Langguth-Torres
Company-in-Residence
String & Shadow
Graphics & Web Design
Jill Carter
Graphics & Web Assistant
Jupiter Shellman
OFT Board of Directors
Deane Shellman
Victor Velazquez
Korja Giles
Complete our Board Application Form
