It's a Wrap for GPA's production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka

Roald Dahl's book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory forms the basis for the musical which also incorporates elements from the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

The renowned and flamboyant Willy Wonka finds himself in the onerous position of being heirless and seeks to bestow his invaluably sweet holdings on a suitable child. He initiates a contest by hiding special golden tickets in five of his scrumptious and unique candy bars. The golden tickets are the keys to entering into the wondrous and magical Chocolate Factory for a free guided tour where the five get to compete for a lifetime supply of candy and unbeknownst to them, the star prize of the Wonka fortune.

For those with a sweet tooth and an eye for theatrical productions, the unexpected and delectable adventures of little Charlie Bucket on his first visit to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory captivate in this enthralling adaptation of Roald Dahl's time honored tale.

As the audience is introduced to the main characters who are winners of the golden tickets it quickly becomes clear that four of them have unbecoming behavioral attributes including gluttony, selfishness, self-centeredness and inappropriate addictions to television and gum chewing.

Sympathies automatically gravitate to dear little Charlie Bucket, endearingly portrayed by Ben Jakubowicz, being raised in a loving but desperately poor family whose staple diet is cabbage soup. Charlie gets to pick someone to accompany him and chooses his jovial grandfather who once worked at the factory.

All five winning children embark on the guided chocolate factory tour with Mr Wonka himself, played by Trenton Torain in full living quirky and humorous color. The winners are given strict instructions to obey for their own safety but their character flaws are challenged in each room until all save one finds themselves in some very sticky situations. The bewildered and unprepared parents have facilitated the failures of their children and are rewarded with the distressful situation of saving them from themselves. A stark reminder to all given the responsibility of child rearing that moderation in all things is a good practice.

GPA’s production of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka neatly weaves adult and student performers together of varying levels of experience to bring the story to life and allow everyone who is part of the performing company to have a spot on the stage.

“It is so fun watching these performers grow,” said Lodi Jackson, GPA Advisory Board Member, “Some of them come with no experience and they just develop so much throughout the season. We had two families participating this year and they have absolutely loved performing together. Everyone who enrolls participates in the show.”

With great choreography and casting, featuring roles for all ages, this show was community theatre at its best looking to involve as many performers as possible. Grand Performing Arts presented six shows, June 23-24, and June 29-July 1 at the University Theatre, located on the California State University, East Bay campus in Hayward. The cast included two groups for the various performances including the “Fun Dip” and “Laffy Taffy” groups.

We could sing along to enchanting songs like the ‘Candy Man’ and revel in the eye-catching costumes like those of the Oompa Loompas who were mesmerizing as they danced in regimented rows and tiny and delightful Candy Fairies flitted in and out of sight. Benjamin Salazar gave an excellent performance as the Candy Man who took pity on Charlie and was kind to him.

Addison Monnastes played a Squirrel and an Oompa Loompa and had a wonderful time being a part of this production and the last time we saw her on stage was for the “California Missions” musical (co-ordinated by school music teacher Ms Karen Conran) at James Dougherty Elementary School in Dublin. Addison was one of several participants from Dougherty who played School girls and Candy fairies including her younger sister McKinley. Dougherty 3rd grade teacher Ms Christine Yim’s daughter, Alexandra, played a Candy Fairy and was beaming broadly after the performance when being congratulated by her family.

Another Dougherty 5th grade school teacher was Ms Christy Bray who had a son, Liam and daughter, Corinne in the show. Liam played the lead role of Charlie Bucket in the “Laffy Taffy” group. Other teachers were there in support namely Mrs. Kiernan and Mrs. Beeson. “It was so lovely to see all the support from Dougherty!” said Ms Yim.

A wonderfully creative use of props and lighting brought the tale to life on the stage and transported the audience to Willy Wonka’s fantasy world filled with chocolate rivers and even drones and hover boards! The scene created with the characters floating down the chocolate river on a boat had to be seen to be believed and demonstrated the skills of the talented team.

The chocolate man, Randy Fortes was super and he also fosters the community and confidence-building aspects of participating in GPA through workshops with the children.

Mike Teavee, the gaming and tv addict played by Taylor Jackson in a glowing green pair of sneakers, commented that all the hard work of rehearsals was well worth it to be a part of such a fun production and would highly recommend the experience to other children. This was Taylor's biggest role yet but she has had other big lead roles and she is clearly a fan of the theater.

Director, Kristi Grand remarked that she would like to thank the cast of Willy Wonka for making her laugh, inspiring her heart and always bringing the brightest of lights in to her life.

A thunderous standing ovation concluded the weekend performance clearly demonstrating the enjoyment and appreciation of the scrumdidilyumptious show.

Kimberly Bridges Carbine, who heard about the show via family member Theresa Moore, a Stage Manager, made the following comment on the GPA Facebook Page “We came from Roseville, CA to see this show and we all loved it!! Bravo! Perfectly done and my daughter who loves the book and movie enjoyed meeting the cast after as well! A perfect birthday gift for her! Thank you”.

GPA would love to see more adult and child performers in their fall show. Registration begins in August and rehearsals are held in Livermore. Visit the Grand Performing Arts website for further information.

Photo Credits: Meghan Currier and Lodi Jackson.