FARMINGTON — Twenty-seven youngsters sang, danced and took to the stage on Wednesday in the Sandy River Players Youth Musical Theatre Camp’s production of  “Honk Junior,” a contemporary version of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling.”

As they practiced being ducklings, geese and ugly’s enemy, the cat, in Alumni Theater at the University of Maine at Farmington, the young actors, singers and dancers were half way through the three-week theater camp that culminates in a one-weekend showing, open to the public. The show will run at 7 p.m. on July 9 and 10 and at 2 p.m. on July 11.

Theater camp director Jessica Longstreet chose the script because it’s a “cute play” with several good lessons including the fact that “someone’s going to love you warts and all,” she said. The story “embraces accepting differences and being true to one’s self,” she added.

In the story, “the ugly duckling is teased by his siblings and ostracized by his community. When Ugly is tricked by his enemy, the cat, he ends up on an adventure by himself. He makes friends on his way home and transforms into the beautiful swan he always was.”

With catchy musical numbers and clever puns, the play moves at a fun, quick pace, she said.

For three hours each morning over three weeks, the 27 students, ages 8 to 13, participate in activities geared toward teaching them dance, music and acting techniques. They have also worked on their costumes and creating the show’s set.

“Their fingerprints are all over it,” Longstreet said of the half-built nest sitting on the stage. “The children are almost entirely responsible for the production.”

“This show’s music is all brand new, unlike other productions,” said accompanist Andrea Keirstead. “It’s easier to learn and they get to dance.”

“The musical performances allow for more children to be involved and musicals expose kids to something they normally wouldn’t do,” Longstreet said, explaining that while acting in the play, some students sing in a chorus while getting their first exposure to dance and music while acting.

Most of all, they enjoy it and have quickly learned and adopted the steps and music.

Sponsored by the Sandy River Players, the theater camp has a long history of productions over many years. Longstreet, previously a student at UMF who has been teaching in Pittsfield for three years, has been involved in the last four summer productions including “Annie.” Three of those years, she has served as director. With a history of working in children’s theater since she was in high school, she also works with a theater group at the Pittsfield school.

Longstreet is assisted by Ally West, who teaches acting, Matt West, vocals, Keirstead, and Cat Zachary, who serves as the stage assistant.

Tickets for the show are available at Devaney Doak and Garrett Booksellers on Broadway. Tickets are $6 for students and seniors and $8 for adults. Reservations are available by calling 779-7084.

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