SCERA's Theatre For Young Audiences Invites Audiences to Willy Wonka's Imaginative Journey

SCERA is inviting its audiences to take a charming candy-filled journey to see Willy Wonka and his amazing chocolate factory when SCERA favorite Shawn Mortensen takes the reins-most likely made of licorice-and stars in the one hour Theatre for Young Audiences version of Roald Dahl's "Willy Wonka" beginning Oct. 17 and running through November 4, with shows on Monday and Fridays evenings at 7:00pm.

Reserved-seat tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children (age 3-11) and seniors (age 65 and older). They are available at www.scera.org, by calling 801-225-ARTS, or in person between 10am-6pm weekdays and Saturdays from 12noon-6pm at the SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 South State, Orem.

For director Julie Bonifay, it's a treat to work with the writings of the late Roald Dahl. Last fall, Bonifay directed Dahl's "James and the Giant Peach" for SCERA and says Dahl was a master storyteller when it came to writing for children. His tales are known for their unexpected endings and sometimes dark comedy but also for his warm sentiments toward those possessed with kind hearts.

Blended with the visually sumptuous story in "Willy Wonka" are issues of poverty, the American dream, the possibility of rising from rags to riches, and undesirable parenting styles that may spoil and entitle children.

The imaginative story begins when children worldwide are invited to search for any one of five golden tickets Wonka has placed inside his Wonka chocolate bars. Those who snag the coveted ticket will receive a full tour of the well-guarded factory by the mysterious candy man, a lifetime supply of chocolate, and for the top winner, a special grand prize.

The winners come from several countries and include the greedy boy Augustus Gloop, spoiled child Veruca Salt, gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde, television addict Mike Teavee, and Charlie Bucket, a sweet boy living in poverty. Little do they know Wonka is going to test their weaknesses by tempting them to break his rules. Mayhem results when Augustus falls into a chocolate river and gets sucked up by a pipe, Veruca finds herself tossed down a garbage chute, Violet's gum chewing eventually transforms her into a gigantic blueberry, and Mike shrinks to several inches tall after a teleport incident. Even sweet Charlie unknowingly breaks the rules regarding Wonka's experimental "fizzy lifting drinks."

SCERA is using the considerable talents of Nat Reed, who is not only designing the set, but as a marionette master, he has fashioned puppets to represent Charlie's grandparents.

"He is so brilliant at it, I had to find a way to use his puppets," Bonifay says. "He has also succeeding in making the contemporary English set one of the starring elements with his chocolate smelting room, nut room, Choco-vision room and others."

She also lauds a cast where each member plays multiple roles. "Shawn is particularly sensitive about his portrayal of Wonka because the recently deceased Gene Wilder was rightfully praised for his iconic portrayal of the title character," Bonifay says. "He is doing a wonderful job and embodies the factory owner's eccentricities." Besides Wonka, Mortensen portrays Phineas Trout, the newspaper reporter.

In addition to Mortensen, actors include Joseph Paul Branca as Charlie Bucket; Megan Vest, who portrays Veruca Salt, Grandma Josephina, Matilda and Ms. Teavee; and Aubrey Wilde who is taking the roles of Violet Beauregarde and Grandpa George.

Other performers are Kyle Hansen as Mike Teavee, Mr. Bucket, and Mr. Salt; Cathryn Frisby as Mrs. Bucket, Mrs. Gloop and an Oompa Loompa; Cole McClure as Augustus Gloop, Grandpa Joe, James and Mrs. Beauregard; and Audrey Patten and Kaysie Norton as kids and Oompa Loompas.

Assisting Bonifay are Andrew Walsh, music director, Kelsey Seaver, costume designer, Liz Griffiths, lighting designer, and Danielle Berry, stage manager. Bonifay is also serving as the show's choreographer.

"We stay close to the first film version of Wonka," she adds. "It has the same magical music score - with songs including 'Pure Imagination,' 'Cheer Up, Charlie,' 'I've Got A Golden Ticket,' 'Oompa Loompa' and 'The Candy Man' - and much of the visual feel. We are, however, putting the children in modern clothes representative of the countries from which they come, such as Brazil and Germany."

While Bonifay says "Willy Wonka" is definitely a fun show for both children and adults, it might have a special nod for adults to remember how the world looks to a child and to recall that anything is possible.

As a part of SCERA's Theatre for Young Audiences, the program, now in its 10th year, features musicals based on children's literature and is a great way to introduce children to the magic of Live Theatre while their parents are still engaged and entertained.

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