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New Rochelle Students Rehearse Ugly Duckling Story

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Trinity Elementary School fifth grade students Alexis Fred, Kailie Strutin and Clara Kaufman rehearsed the school’s upcoming musical “Honk” in its entirety for the first time Thursday afternoon.

The three were just a few of the 150 students chosen in October as part of the Wingspan Arts program’s stage-performance of the Ugly Duckling Story. Trinity staff brought in the theater organization to help teach the fourth and fifth grade students theater skills and further emphasize the school’s and City of New Rochelle School District’s anti-bullying initiative.  

“The moral of the story was, just be who you are, want to be, or do what you want to do,” said Fred, who plays the part of the cat in the production.

Strutin has the role of the ugly duckling’s mother, Ida, while Kaufman is an ordinary duck who turns into a swan.

“In the story, the ugly duckling leaves the mother’s nest for a long time, is chased by the cat, then the mother chases the ugly duckling, and then they all lively happily ever after,”  said Jessica Bashline, Wingspan's artistic director.

“Honk” is directed by Anne Wise. Her husband Alex serves as musical director.

The play will be held in the Trinity Elementary School Auditorium Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m.

The school’s Parent Teacher Association assisted with the stage props. The PTA also plans to help students before the show’s first performance.

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