The Ugly Duck

Musical Play. Book and lyrics by James Still. Music by Christopher McGovern available from the publisher. A family musical that champions creativity and individuality through an Americanized, contemporary thematic adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's THE UGLY DUCKLING. Unit set, several locations. Cast of 4 men, 2 females plus others. The original production toured with five actors.
Ten year-old Max is thrown into crisis when he is forced to spend his summer vacation with his Great Aunt Junie - - a true original who lives in a faraway place called Kansas. Notorious in town as "Loony Junie the Crazy Duck Lady," Aunt Junie makes purple popcorn balls, practices karate, lives in a house with playful furniture (played by actors) and sings to her ducks. Maximum, as Aunt Junie calls him, is a city kid trapped in a small town who slowly overcomes homesickness and his own intolerance, ultimately transforming his fears into love and enthuiasm for creativity and individuality. As Aunt June tells Max, "People think everything has got to be one way and one way only. No matter how crowded it is - - there's always enough room to be yourself."