Theater Review: 'Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka' at Pomperaug High School

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

The dream team of Pomperaug Theatre Company and Music Department will present the colorful production of “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka.” This version of the classic tale, which was adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald, has music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. It is based on Dahl’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The Pomperaug students are directed by Madge O’Toole, with musical direction by Rachel Sloane.

Ms. O’Toole is backed by student assistant director/co-stage manager Sophia Ltaif and student co-stage manager/tech director Rowan Vas, a senior. Madison Ferguson works as assistant stage manager. Junior Addison Batoon and junior Ada Llabani designed the choreography, with Addison Evans and Sarah Gilchrist as dance captains. There is some very good tapping to open the show.

Ms. O’Toole writes in her director’s note that “Wonka” has been made and remade, reworked and refreshed. It has permeated our culture.” Yet, as soon as audience members hear the first notes of the musical, we are hooked. “Isn’t it because we are thrilled at the idea that once again we can be part of this story?” the director continues. “Part of the lesson? Isn’t it interesting how our focus changes every time we watch? No matter what our focus is though, we support Charlie; because Charlie represents the best of us.”

The cast of Pomperaug students work well together to bring the story to life. Pomperaug senior Kyler Kumi brings a wry wit and a strong singing voice to the role of candy factory owner Willy Wonka in a magical black suit and top hat. The actor, who was awarded a Halo for his role in “Dancing at Lughnasa,” looks like he is having a great time in his final Pomperaug show. Kumi has some excellent references to previous Pomperaug (and “We don’t talk about Bruno") during a part of the candy factory tour that made me smile with recognition.

Stevie Bennett, a junior, gives a joyful performance as the young Charlie Bucket. Bennett was nominated for a Halo Award for her role as Young Will in “Big Fish” and writes that she learned to tap dance for this show. Her mother Mrs. Bucket is played by sophomore Addison Evan and her father is played by junior Henry Marks. The three do well in their number “Cheer Up, Charlie.”

The students playing Charlie’s grandparents in their beds work well together to make the most of the comedy. Freshman Jules Hakim-Santiago portrays Grandma Josephine and Brinley Powell plays Grandma Georgina in her third Pomperaug show. Senior Riley Powell gives a great performance as Grandpa Joe, the grandparent who accompanies Charlie on the factory tour.

Kalman Zold, with whom I shared the Pomperaug stage in Newbury’s “Fiddler on the Roof” last summer, switches easily between the role of the hard-of-hearing Grandpa George and Veruca’s overindulgent parent Mr. Salt. Junior Alice Sugden is convincingly demanding in the role of Veruca Salt in her sixth Pomperaug show.

Sophomore Xavier Chu plays the video game obsessed Mike Teavee in his show he calls “crazy, zany, and funny.” Addison Batoon plays his mother. Sophomore Sara Gilchrist is a pro in her portrayal of the gum-smacking Violet Beauregarde. Gilchrist recently played Marty in Naugatuck Valley “Grease.” Senior Nora Mange plays her mother in her second PHS show. Mange played Mrs. Bucket in a previous Willy Wonka musical.

Noah Hornberger has the speaking role of James (and an Oompa) and the lovely Isabelle Winer, who played the daughter in my stage family in “Fiddler,” shines as Matilda, a cook and an Oompa.

Hannah Ali makes us smile in the role of the singing Candy Man and also plays an Oompa. Senior Grace Mombo does really well reacting to the antics of the contest winners (and their parents) in the role of the reporter Phineas T. She also covers the role of Oompa 1.

Contest winner Augustus Gloop is played by a padded Ari Levins, a junior, with a German accent and his mother is played with good comedic timing by Julia Vela.

In supporting roles as Candy Kids, Oompas, Cooks, and Squirrel are Kaelan Doyle, Mila Rivera, sophomore Samantha Fig, junior Jose Critelli, freshman Mairin Beekey, sophomore Cate Nespoli and Savannah Paulus.

At the dress rehearsal that I was invited to attend, I was delighted to stand in for a child for the opening number. During performances, real children will cross the stage to receive a real chocolate bar from Wonka and sit on the steps on stage left to interact with him for a bit before returning to their seats.

There are some ambitious special effects accomplished with both low and high tech methods, including two flying scenes. Rachel Anderson, a junior, is head of tech for sound/microphones. Set designers Madison Ferguson and Lilly Lum made the set pieces work for the many demands of the script. Jeromy Nelson was the construction supervisor of the large set that features two large and colorful flats for the candy factory. Senior Amelia Eager and senior Ben Goncalves worked as construction heads.

Senior Mary Grace Styblo is the head of the costume team. Junior Amelie Jose is in charge of hair and makeup, which include the requisite green wigs for the Oompas. Tesu Beavers and Emma Bona were in charge of the numerous props.

John Tzetzo serves as the pit director of the 18 student musicians that perform well. Colton Lorensen served as tech crew’s head of sound/effects. Sophomore Eli Hornberger designed the effective lighting.

My favorite part of a Pomperaug production is the behind the scene video that precedes the performance. It is always well-produced and so much fun to watch.

Don't miss the PHS student performance of "Willy Wonka"- based on Roald Dahl's1964 children's novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. This "Pure Imagination" is presented by The Pomperaug Theatre Company and The Pomperaug Music Department.
Showtimes:
Friday, March 22, 2024, 7:00 pm
Saturday, March 23, 2024, 7:00 pm
Sunday, March 24, 2024, 2:00 pm
Ticket Prices:
Adults/General: $15.00
Students/Staff/Senior: $10.00
(Please note that walk - in tickets on the day of the show are $2 more to cover fees from the vendor)
Running Time: 2hrs 15min including a 15-minute intermission
All performances are in the auditorium at Pomperaug High School, 234 Judd Road, Southbury
Follow the link to purchase your "golden" tickets.
https://www.onthestage.tickets/.../65d64e429856e8.../tickets

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the newspaper.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the CCC Facebook page.

Cast photos courtesy of Madge O'Toole