While the cast of Honk Jr. has been hard at work learning pitches and memorizing lines for the upcoming show, the musical wouldn't be possible without its directors.
Two local artists, Andrea Moore (director) and Saul Nache (musical director) are the guest directors for this year's children's musical. The children's show has been an annual event at St. Ambrose for many years, but it's their first time being involved with the tradition. The department is grateful to have their talents for this project.
Andrea Moore, originally from Sherrard, Illinois, is no stranger to the SAU Theatre Department. She was the wonderful choreographer for songs such as "Don't Tell Mama" and "If You Could See Her" in Cabaret, St. Ambrose's most recent spring musical. A dancer since the age of seven, Moore first found a passion for theatre after trying out for a musical in high school.
"My older brothers were involved in theatre, and I always thought it looked like fun," Moore said. "Once I did that first show, I never looked back."
After graduating with a degree in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance from Millikin University, Moore began her theatrical career by becoming a performing member of the bootlegger waitstaff at Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse. As an employee for the Rock Island-based professional theatre for the past 20 years, Andrea has been featured onstage in numerous mainstage and children's shows over the years. In addition to performing, Moore gained experience by choreographing multiple mainstage musicals and directing and choreographing numerous children's shows at Circa ‘21.
Moore said it's hard to pick her favorite show that she's been a part of since they are all special to her for different reasons. However, one iconic role does stick out. She once played Brooke Wyndham in Legally Blonde the Musical and had to jump rope and sing at the same time during her feature number!
Overall, Moore has loved getting to work with everyone at St. Ambrose during these last two productions. She offers wonderful advice to anyone pursuing a career in theatre:
"Always be bold and fearless, even if you're faking it!" she said. "Perform as often as you can to learn your craft. Be punctual and prepared. Make sure you're the kind of person you'd want to work with."
While Moore directs and choreographs, Saul Nache takes over directing the music for Honk Jr. Born and raised in the Quad Cities area, Nache discovered a passion for theatre after performing in the children's chorus of a traveling production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which was performed at the Adler Theatre in downtown Davenport. From there, he earned his Master of Music in Operatic Performance from the University of Illinois. He has lived the life of a traveling musician ever since.
"I currently teach at Illinois Wesleyan University in their elite Music Theatre program and in the Music Department at Bradley University," Nache said. "I'm also the Music Director for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities."
Nache is dying to direct the music for Spring Awakening because he loves the music. However, his favorite productions that he has directed musically are Avenue Q with Nebraska Repertory Theatre and Xanadu with Illinois Wesleyan University. Additionally, he is thankful to work with the cast in Honk Jr. He has great advice for theatre lovers as well.
"Actors are some of the most empathetic humans in this world," Nache said. "We empathize with each character we bring to life. Continue to always be good humans. Treat others with respect and compassion first. As Ugly says: ‘I like being me. I like my honk. I LIKE BEING DIFFERENT!' Let's take a page from this cute show and apply it to our lives."
Please come see the work of both Andrea Moore and Saul Nache, which will lead St. Ambrose's production of Honk Jr. to success! Tickets are still available by calling 563-333-6251 or buying them online.
Honk Jr. showtimes are December 1 and 2 at 3 p.m. in the Allaert Auditorium. They and everyone in the cast and crew would love to see you there!
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