eCoronado.com gets a sneak preview from Honk!  (Now playing in San Diego through May 6th).
 

Meet Emma and Annie Holley, Coronado's very own young actresses.  A few years ago, this talented pair of sisters relocated to Coronado when their father was stationed here. Both girls attend Village Elementary School. Emma, age eleven, is in fifth grade and has Mr. A for a teacher. Annie, age nine, is in third grade and is in Mr. Sawi's class. 

Annie and Emma will be performing in Christian Youth Theater's production of Honk! The musical comedy is a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling. A main theme throughout the play is that it's okay to be different. Honk! is directed by Joshua and Amanda Pontsler. Emma plays a duckling named Fluff, while Annie is cast a duckling named Beaky. Both girls also play tap-dancing froggies. 

The girls became involved in theater while living in Tennessee. "I was in some school plays, like Annie and Aladdin." Emma said, "When we moved here, we found CYT and loved it." The sisters say that they would like to be involved in Coronado High School's fantastic arts program, Coronado School of the Arts, when they reach their high school years. 

"I think that the most fun thing about theater is that you get to express yourself and be whatever you like," said Annie. Emma agrees, and adds that she enjoys musical theater because of the singing and dancing. Both girls have made friends from being involved in the program. 

Annie and Emma are the first two ducks in the photo above. 

For all of the positive benefits of being in theater, the young actresses have faced some challenges. "I think that the most challenging part of being in theater is learning a new song," Annie said. Emma said, "Sometimes you have to make big decisions. I play tennis, and I used to play soccer, but I couldn't do both. I had to make a choice."

"Emma and Annie are dedicated, energetic and bright on stage and off! We've been blessed to have them as part of the CYT family now for two years. Theater is certainly their calling." said Patty Chavez, South County CYT Area Coordinator. 

Besides theater, Emma enjoys Girl Scouts and playing tennis. Annie says that she is especially interested in art and history. eCoronado.com wishes the two actresses the best of luck in Honk! and future performances.

Come see Annie and Emma perform! Honk! tickets are on sale now. Performance dates are April 27-29 and May 4-6. For more information about the show, go to www.cytsandiego.com. 

-------------------------------

Sophia Zaller

Online Editorial Intern

eCoronado.com

Do you have a story, news item, or event that you would like to share with Coronado? Feel free to email me at sophiazaller@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from you!