Alumni visiting Lee during Homecoming 2004 were treated to a different type of production than has been offered in the past few years. Admission Director, Phil Cook, and Director Sharon Carbaugh sang and jumped around the Dixon Center stage costumed as frogs, along with students that played as ducks, geese, cats and even a turkey while relating the story of “HONK!” the Ugly Duckling.

This memorable fairytale portrayed a pitiful little cob (male swan) who began his life in a duck’s nest, endured incredible ridicule from his siblings and other farm animals, then eventually became the “pride of the pack” so to speak.

More than 1,500 community school students, teachers, and parents attended one of the three matinees. Great community attendance was attributed to Professor Patty Silverman’s Media Relations class. Students taking this course worked with the local media, under Mrs. Silverman’s guidance, succeeded in getting the best media coverage to date for a student production.

Dr. Joel Kailing’s Desktop Publishing class designed the playbill for this production and Professor Mary Dukes’ Television Production class was responsible for video taping. The students will edit the video and format it into VHS and DVD depending on the demand.

Dr. Laney, Chair for the Communication & the Arts Department, said, “The students did a wonderful job and my favorite number was the “Wild Goose Chase. “However, the guy who stole the show was that big bullfrog from the Admissions Office-Phil Cook, we love you “warts and all!”

“HONK’s!” cast included Jenny Baidsen (Ida), Jason Barthlow (Ugly), Matt Anderson (Cat), Josiah Ewing (Drake), Lauren Donaldson, Renee Yaddow, Caroline Krueger, Matt Earnest, Terran Fletcher, Tyler Spears, Kirt Johnson and Andrea Riley.

If you would like more information about Lee University’s Theatre productions please log on to www.leeuniversity.edu/theatre. We welcome your inquiries.