Cast

John Duff (Ugly)

John is delighted to make his Shadowblock debut in HONK! He is currently juggling his junior year at Mount Hebron High School, having friends, learning to drive, and performing in HONK! John wants to thank the cast of HONK! for making this production worry-free and painless, Conni for this experience, Addie for the moon pies, his family and everyone else involved in making him look, sound, and feel Ugly.

Maribeth Vogel Eckenrode (Ida)

This is Maribeth’s second show with Shadowblock Productions, previously playing Sister Hubert in NUNSENSE II. She has performed in over 40 shows in the Baltimore area. Most recently she was seen as Meredith in BAT BOY at Spotlighters and as Truvy in the Alumni Theatre Company’s production of STEEL MAGNOLIAS at Catonsville Community College. Maribeth was also seen at Spotlighters in MAMLEH and as Sister Hubert in NUNSENSE. Favorite roles include: Charlotte Hay in MOON OVER BUFFALO, Vera in STEPPIN' OUT and Gorgeous in THE SISTERS ROSENSWEIG (all at Dundalk Community Theatre); Mama Rose in GYPSY, P. Burke/Nola in WEIRD ROMANCE (FPCT), Nancy Twinkle in LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE (Garrison Playhouse), Marion in SAFE SEX: ON TIDY ENDINGS (Spots), and Sarah Brown in GUYS AND DOLLS (Harbour Theatre). Her most spectacular productions, however, are her children Matthew (14 ½) and Claire (13). Thanks, John, for your continued support.

John Hurley (Drake/Bullfrog)

John was most recently seen as Dr. Parker in BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL at Spotlighter’s Theatre, and he’s very happy to be Maribeth’s stage husband once again! Other roles include Mr. Summers in 'DENTITY CRISIS at Run Of The Mill, Uncle Bob in TWO WEEKS WITH THE QUEEN at Vagabond, the Minstrel in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS at The Chesapeake Center for the Performing Arts, Rulon Stacey/Harry Woods, et. al. in THE LARAMIE PROJECT and Bartholomew in CORPUS CHRISTI, both at Spots. To RPG, who loves me "Warts And All".

Alex Porter (Cat)

HONK! is Alex's fourth production for Shadow Block. He was seen earlier this season as Father in VIOLET, and Lou Cohn in THE 1940'S RADIO HOUR. Other recent roles include the Emcee in LUCKY STIFF and Bienstock in SUGAR. In addition to acting, Alex enjoys stagecraft and playing guitar. Thanks to Conni, Tina, and the rest of the cast for their encouragement and support. Thanks and love to Kim, Johanna, Nicholas, and Mom & Dad.

Temple Cheleé Fortson (Maureen)

Temple's thrilled to join the cast of HONK! in her first production with Shadow Block Productions. Last seen as Anita in WEST SIDE STORY, with the CVCC Theater Company, she's also performed in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and EVITA with the Maryland Arts Festival. Temple wants to thank her friends for putting up with her constant singing, and her family, Melissa and Ernest for their love and tireless support. She dedicates this performance to her mother, for introducing musicals into her life and for always being her biggest fan.

Jen Alexander (Queenie)

In her first production with Shadow Block Productions, Jen is excited to be back in the theatre. This is her first show in Maryland, since moving from Indiana in 2001. Jen would like to thank her friends for buying tickets, to Tina and Levin Group's sales team for picking up extra travel so she could be in this production, and to Conni for giving her the opportunity to get back on stage.

Addie Sutter (Lowbutt, Goose, Froglet)

Addie is tickled pink to be working on her fourth Shadow Block show.
You may have seen her terrorizing her Winkie slaves in this summer's Students Director's Showcase production of THE WIZ. When not gallivanting about the stage with her whip, Addie enjoys teaching musical theatre here at the Drama Learning Center. A special thanks to Conni for putting up with her crazy summer schedule, and thanks for giving her another go. Now everybody: HONK!

Joseph Ryan (Greylag)

Joe has been very active in the Columbia Theatre arena having acted in the CCP productions of NIGHTWATCH and BLACK COMEDY. Joe also appeared in Moliere's TARTUFFE with the Kittmaqundi Theatre, FINIAN'S RAINBOW with the Howard County Players, and THE 1940'S RADIO HOUR as well as VIOLET, here at Shadow Block Productions round out Joe's most recent theater credits. With over fifty years of experience acting, singing in musical comedies and professional opera as well as performances as a professional magician, Joe brings a wealth of experience to share with the cast and director. He is proud to be working with director Conni Ross and a most talented cast in this production of HONK!

Elizabeth duToit (Dot)

Elizabeth is no stranger to migrating! Born in South Africa, naturalized as a Kiwi (New Zealand's flightless bird!!!) and an apprentice American, she now makes her nest in Ellicott City. Here she teaches birds of all feathers to tweak their beaks to play woodwind instruments. Her favorite endeavors as nightingale were in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, QUILTERS, MY FAIR LADY, NUNSENSE II and IS THERE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? Thanks to Conni and her fellow warblers. Love to Neels and Jay Bird, Charl.

Sandy Howard (Grace)

Sandy is thrilled to do her first show with Shadowblock Productions.
She has also done shows with Howard County Summer Theatre, Howard County Players, Alumni Theatre Company, and September Song. Among her favorites are: JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, JERRY'S GIRLS, THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND, and SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM. Sandy would like to thank Conni Ross for giving her this wonderful opportunity. HONK!

Paul Ciaravella (Turkey, Barnacles, Froglet, Father Swan)

Paul is glad to be back on stage in another Shadow Block production at DLC. He was last seen here in IS THERE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL and as Biff Baker in THE 1940'S RADIO HOUR. Most recently, he has been on stage in Howard County Summer Theatre's JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. He would like to thank Tina for doing such an amazing job & having so much patience, Conni for doing such a wonderful show, and the rest of the cast for being such a fun bunch of farm animals!

Steffi Rubin (Henrietta, Fish, Pinkfoot, Froglet, Old Woman, Mother Swan)

Steffi is delighted to be portraying so many species in one production!
Last seen in Shadow Block's production of IS THERE LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL, Steffi has also appeared in LUCKY STIFF, SUGAR, BYE BYE BIRDIE and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, all here in Howard County. Steffi runs a graphic design company called Now You See it! and is co-founder of Campaign for Courtesy on the Road, a non-profit corporation established to improve road safety through road courtesy, especially among teen drivers. Kudos to all the talented poultry in the barnyard, and thanks always to Barry, Becca and Shira.

Charl DuToit (Jay Bird, Froglet)

Charl was born in South Africa, and moved to New Zealand. He came to America when he was seven and has lived here ever since. Charl is an 8th grader at Burleigh Manor Middle School, plays the piano and violin, and enjoys gymnastics and tennis. He thanks his dad Neels for his support while he and his mother had fun rehearsing the play. Charl's acting experience includes THE MUSIC MAN, DIG IT, MY FAIR LADY and FREE TO BE, YOU AND ME.

Emily Sutter (Penny)

Emily is absolutely tickled to play Penny in her first Shadowblock production. You may have seen her as the "Hot Pink Brick Road" in the summer's Student Director's Showcase production of THE WIZ. Emily is also excited to be in her second show with her sister Addie. A sernior at Oakland Mills High School, Emily is starting with the new school year off the a bang! She gives a huge shout out to Kiki: you are the silliest. She also thanks her mom and dad for all their support. Thanks, too, to all of her friends and the AWESOME cast of HONK! for making her first time with Shadowblock an exciting one.

Anna Rimlinger (Beaky, Froglet)

Although this is Anna's first production with Shadowblock, she has often been seen here at DLC. Some of her favorite roles have been the title role in CINDERELLA, Belle in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Hodel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and Molly in ANNIE. Anna has also performed at Toby's Dinner Theatre in a production of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN as Annie's young sister, Jessie. In the coming holiday season, you may catch Anna in SCROOGE at Spotlighters. As well as acting, Anna enjoys playing piano and French horn, studying jazz and tap dancing, and creative writing. She would like to thank Ms. Conni for the fun experience.

Caroline Whittenberger (Fluffy, Froglet)

Caroline is a 6th grader at BMSS. She has been on stage in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at Howard County Summer Theatre, THE KING & I at Mt. Hebron High School , THE MUSIC MAN and FREE TO BE, YOU AND ME at K.I.D.S., and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF here at the DLC. Offstage, she swims for the Columbia Clippers and plays Patriot softball. Fluff is her favorite role so far. Enjoy the show! (P.S. S.S. rocks!)

Eric Lowe (Billy, Froglet)

Eric is 6 years old and a 1st grader at Manor Woods Elementary School. He loves acting and has been in several DLC productions including LET'S GET LOOSE WITH MOTHER GOOSE where he played Humpty Dumpty and TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE where he played Professor Webster Bee. This past summer he participated in DLC's summer camp,THE BEST OF BROADWAY MUSICALS. Eric also swims on the swim team, enjoys karate, and is learning to play the piano. Eric would like to thank Miss Conni for this opportunity, and his Mom and Dad for their love and support.

Kevin Rohner (Downy, Froglet)

Kevin is a 4th grader at Triadelphia Ridge Elementary School. He enjoys acting and theater very much. His hobbies include playing sports like soccer, baseball and basketball and he is also a cub scout. He hopes this is the first of many performances and gives thanks to Conni for this opportunity!

Alana Cornell (Queenie Understudy)

Alana is very excited to be a part of her first Shadowblock show. This is her first time she has worked with Conni Ross and has had an excellent experience. Alana hasn't done much with acting, but now after this is sure to do more. In past years she wrote a short play for class and performed in that. She also belongs to her select choir at school. She loved the whole cast too. It had been a pleasure for her to work with all of them. They helped make Honk! an even better experience. She hopes everyone loves Honk! and that it will be a great success.