Kelrik Productions Presents WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
By: Sally Henry Fuller Sep. 26, 2015
From the Producers of Pinkalicious, Sweeney Todd, Violet, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Disney's Tarzan, Kelrik Productions returns to the Monroe Forum Theatre with a sticky-sweet confection of "Pure Imagination" in Roald Dahl's timeless story, Willy Wonka! Based on Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), the play, Willy Wonka, brings the story to the stage in this musical adaptation. Included in this production are some of the classic songs from the Oscar-nominated family film such as "Pure Imagination" and "Candy Man", as well as new songs from Leslie Bricusse, who composed the film. The musical was originally intended to help promote the newly formed Willy Wonka's Candy Company film, adapted from Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which became a cult classic and has gone on to become one of the most beloved titles in the history of children's cinema.
"This is a must see event for the entire family," says Director Erik Austin. "Almost everyone is familiar with the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and all of the characters. To see it come alive on stage is a truly special experience for children and adults alike." Playing the title role of Willy Wonka is Matt DeNoto. This role is right up his alley. "I've always gravitated toward characters with character. Big, interesting people who reside firmly off the beaten path. I'm excited to be bringing Willy Wonka to life for audiences in a way movies can't match." DeNoto is a huge fan of the Gene Wilder film and hopes to pay homage to Mr. Wilder while bringing his own spin to the character. "The original version is a classic that cannot be matched. Like all kids, it was a part of my childhood before I even had a concept of movies as things made by people. They were simply magic that you could watch over and over." DeNoto shares one very important characteristic with Wonka "I like chocolate. Okay, I REALLY like chocolate. Okay, I once bought a giant, 5 lb. Hershey bar and ate the entire thing." Sharing the spotlight with DeNoto are two youth performers, Blythe Walker and Katia Peel. Both of these young artists are making their Kelrik debuts as protagonist, Charlie Bucket. "Charlie is the eternal optimist," says director, Erik Austin. "While the other children arrive at the factory driven by greed and a sense of entitlement, Charlie is excited just to be part of the adventure." His hard-working mother, Mrs. Bucket, is played by Denise Bundlie with Marty Feldman portraying Grandpa Joe.
Joining Charlie in his quest through Wonka's factory is a quartet of children who personify excess at it's worst. Danny Domroy stars as the aptly named Augustus Gloop, Marley Estrada and Journi McGee as the materialistic Veruca Salt, Asia Aragon and Alexa Tonkins portray Violet Beauregard, the incessant gum chewer, and Aidan Smith is the technology obsessed Mike Teavee. Appearing as their woefully inept parents are Tiffany Commons as Mrs. Gloop and Grace MacMillan as Ms. Teavee. Rounding out the cast is an ensemble of talented young actors portraying the iconic Oompa-Loompas as well as a host of schoolchildren (Bradley Bundle, Viktoria Leskiv, Una Panich, Makenzie Tonkins, and Taryn Walker). Craig Sherman leads these young candy kids as our Candy Man. The creative team includes: director, Erik Austin, with music direction by Lainie Pahos, stage manager Samantha Marie, assistant stage manager Morgan Clemenson. With set design by Bruce Hunter, scenic painting by Sharon Doran, lighting design by Samantha Marie and costume design Keith Wetzel. As a company, Kelrik is dedicated to the growth of our actors, theater-goers, and the artistic medium in which they all connect. Kelrik continues to work hard to maintain a viable theater company offering new works as well as reviving old favorites like Willy Wonka. We always uphold the standards and visions of Kelrik, which is to provide quality "edutainment", theater which both educates and entertains. Myths, parables and fables have traditionally been used to teach. Kelrik continues to build on this tradition, creating audience-pleasing productions that provide food for thought--as well as great fun. This fun-filled family show runs approximately 75 minutes which makes it ideal for younger children. We feature a colorful cast of characters and audience participation and interaction. Reservations are strongly recommended.
RUNNING TIME: 75 minutes
About Kelrik Productions
Mission Statement :
Kelrik's mission is to provide the highest quality, innovative, participatory theatre, featuring local talent and first-rate production values. As a company, Kelrik is dedicated to the growth of our actors, theater-goers, and the artistic medium in which they all connect.
PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Farmer Photography
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