On Nov. 8, St. Albans Country Day School continues its theatrical tradition of quality performances for youth with the production of "Honk!"

Based on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling," "Honk!" tells the story of an odd-looking baby duck (Ugly) who is a bit low on looks, but high on personality. Born into a family of ducks, Ugly is the object of ridicule and scorn despite his surprising aptitude for swimming.

Looking for an escape from his jeering sisters and unfriendly barnyard folk, Ugly is seduced away by a wily Cat who wants to eat Ugly for dinner. Eventually, Ugly manages to escape, but has no idea how to return home.

While his mother searches and his father stays at home with the other baby chicks, Ugly is aided by a mosaic of colorful characters who will help him home including a squadron of misfit geese and a toe tappin' frog.

"Honk!" reminds us to accept and celebrate the differences that make us special.

The junior version of "Honk!" is specially adapted for young performers - abridged to 60 to 80 minutes, with music transposed into keys appropriate for young voices.

"Honk!" is directed by St. Albans' Music Director Christopher Cook, who has won numerous awards including a Teddy for "Romeo and Juliet" with Theater El Dorado, and is currently nominated for an Elly for Musical Director for Runaway Stage Productions in Sacramento. Cook also directs part-time at CSU Sacramento and is artistic director for the Green Valley Puppet Theatre.

"Honk!" will hatch at St. Albans Country Day School with 7 p.m. performances Nov. 8-10 in the Taber Center at 2312 Vernon Street, Roseville.

For more information, call St. Albans at 782-3557.