BY DANI TIETZ
dani@mahometnews.com
The Monticello Theater Association invites community members to experience a world of imagination this weekend.
The cast, which has been working on their Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory-Youth Production performance for the last six weeks, will take the stage June 25, 26 at 7:30 p.m. and June 27 at 2:30 .m. at the Phoenix Theater located at 1406 N. Market Street, Monticello.
Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder and new songs by Leslie Bricusse (Jekyll & Hyde, Doctor Dolittle) and Anthony Newley, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth.
Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka follows enigmatic candy manufacturer, Willy Wonka, as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars.
Whoever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy.
Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats; the fifth is a likable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather.
The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory … or suffer the consequences.
Playing the part of Mrs. TV, Mike TV’s mother, 14-year-old Maya Lee took the leap in her first time on stage.
“I really love acting and I really wanted to do it,” Lee said.
While the group got its first taste of a crowd last weekend, Lee said she is still nervous for this weekend’s show.
But, having made new friends and getting to talk with old ones over the summer is helping ease her fears.
Alexus Brown and JayLynn Todd, who were cast in last year’s production, came back for different reasons.
“I really like the director, Sherrie (Hildreth),” Brown said. “I think she’s really sweet and I really like to do stuff with her.”
“All the people were really nice,” Todd said. “You got to be on stage and be you.”
Todd is part of the chorus this year.
She spends time on stage and in the crowd, charming spectators with songs and dance.She enjoys singing the Oompa Loompa songs most of all.
Brown enjoys playing the part of Boompa, the first Oompa Loompa.
“It’s kind of itchy, but I like the (bright green, curly) wig,” Brown said.
A $10 student and $15 adult ticket for this weekend’s show can be purchased at http://monticellotheatre.org/
