Hill Country Community Theatre’s ‘Willy Wonka’ is a ‘golden ticket’
Ben Anderson (left) is making his Hill Country Community Theatre debut July 18 when he plays Charlie Bucket in ‘Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka.’ He shares the stage with many other actors, including Steve Garcia, who plays Willy Wonka. The musical closely follows the 1971 movie, ‘Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.’ The musical runs for eight performances through July 28 at the theater, 4003 FM 2147 West in Cottonwood Shores. Go to www.thehcct.org for ticket information and performance times. Courtesy photo
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
COTTONWOOD SHORES — For people in the 40-and-older crowd, there’s only one Willie Wonka, and that is the one Gene Wilder portrayed in the 1971 film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”
On July 18, fans of the film and the Roald Dahl book on which it was based can rekindle the magic as the Hill Country Community Theatre opens “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka” for eight performances through July 28. The production will look and feel a lot more like the Wilder movie than the more recent remake featuring Johnny Depp.
“One of the reasons we decided to follow closer to the Gene Wilder film was because there are a lot of parents and grandparents who grew up with that movie or with (Dahl’s) book, and they can bring their kids or grandkids to this play and share that experience with them,” said Steve Reily, HCCT managing director. “It gives them something they can all share.”
The production includes all the songs featured in the 1971 film, with a few additions.
For those who might not be familiar with the movie or book, Willy Wonka owns a world-famous candy factory. With no children of his own, Wonka decides he needs to find a heir for his business, so he holds a contest of sorts. He stashes several “golden tickets” in chocolate bars sent across the globe. The kids who find the golden tickets get invited to visit and tour Wonka’s factory.
Throughout the tour, the children experience and see incredible things, including the Ooompa-Loompas.
“It’s a fun musical that everybody will enjoy,” Reily said. While it’s based on a children’s book, the musical definitely has a few things for adults to hang on to as well. “It has some dark humor in it, so adults will definitely enjoy it.”[box]IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka”
PERFORMANCES: July 18-28; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2:15 p.m. Sundays.
WHERE: Hill County Community Theatre, 4003 FM 2147 West in Cottonwood Shores
TICKETS: $20 for adults and $9 for students 16 and younger
MORE INFORMATION: Call (830) 798-8944 or visit www.thehcct.org[/box]
HCCT produces five plays a year. The organization selected “Willy Wonka” about a year ago, Reily said.
“The summer musicals like this one require about 10 weeks of rehearsal,” he added.
The cast includes several HCCT veterans, including Steve Garcia as Willy Wonka, Wes Sadek as The Candy Man, Henry Rowland as Phineous Trout, Mandi Whittlesey as Mrs. Bucket, Sandy Stemac as Grandma Josephine, Theresa Bishop as Grandma Georgina, Mike Brittain as Grandpa George, Lili Biglari as Alphie, Becky Barton as Mrs. Gloop, Emma Smutzer as Violet Beauregarde and Ocean Fillingham as an Oompa-Loompa.
Several actors will make their HCCT debut, including Ben Anderson as Charlie Bucket, Lee Wilson as Mr. Bucket, Stone Wilson as James, Eden Dellinger as Matilda and Randy Spruiell as Mr. Salt.
Jenny Lavery is directing the musical.
The performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with Sunday matinees at 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $9 for students 16 and younger. Group rates are available.
For reservations (which are recommended), call (830) 798-8944. Go to www.thehcct.org for more information.
Reily said this production offers lots of music, laughter and even some special effects.
“It’s been a lot of fun to get ready,” he said. “I think people will really enjoy it.”
daniel@thepicayune.com