Welcome to the World of Wonka

By Ashley deBear
Western Herald

The candy man is coming to town! The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre will be performing its version of “Willy Wonka” beginning Nov. 21.

The play, based on Roald Dahl’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” tells the story of Charlie Bucket, who wins one of five golden tickets hidden in a chocolate bar wrapper and is awarded a tour of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory along with the other four golden ticket winners.

Director Morrie Enders said the Civic’s adaptation of the play will hold a few new surprises for its audience.  The Oompa Loompas, who traditionally have orange faces, green hair and wear brown and white jumpers will be wearing costumes inspired by a new fashion craze in China, Enders said, which consists of clashing fluorescent colors and lots of accessories in the hair.

“It sort of reminds me of the 80s cartoon character Rainbow Bright,” said Enders.

There have been two film versions of Willy Wonka made, the first in 1971 starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka and the second in 2005 with Johnny Depp playing the candy man. Although the play is based off the 1971 version, Ender didn’t want the cast to be influenced by what they saw on the big screen.

“I told the cast don’t worry about the movies,” Enders said.  “This show is about imagination so let’s use our imaginations.”

Enders said the Civic’s version of “Willy Wonka” will based off the first play, but will be meatier with splices from the first movie included.  Enders said that the cast will be performing fan favorites such as “Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination.”

Who’s the better Willy Wonka: Gene Wilder or Johnny Depp?
Morrie Enders
Enders admits he’s old enough to remember gasping in awe as he watched Gene Wilder in the first film, but also appreciates Johnny Depp’s work in the film’s second version.
“I’d have to say I like a mixture of them both,” Enders said.  “They both have special qualities that made them great.”
Pete Mooney
Pete Mooney, a senior Finance major, said he loves Johnny Depp, but believes Gene Wilder was the better Willy Wonka.
“He was made for that role,” said Mooney.  “He’ll always be remembered as Willy Wonka.  Johnny Depp was good, but I think Gene Wilder set the precedent.”
Margaret Bacigal
Junior Margaret Bacigal prefers the most recent rendition of Willy Wonka, played by Johnny Depp.
“His facial expressions were great,” Bacigal said.  “You could tell that he really got into the character.  Plus, he’s gorgeous!”
Ryan Lenahan:
“It’s not even a question,” said senior Ryan Lenahan, who believes Gene Wilder was the better Willy Wonka.  “You can’t mess with the original; he’s a class, he did it from scratch.”

What’s your favorite Willy Wonka candy?
Courtney Yoder, Violet Beauregarde Courtney Yoder, senior at WMU, will be playing the role of fast-talking gum chewer Violet Beauregarde.  The theater performance major’s favorite Willy Wonka candy is something only the show’s audience will appreciate.
“My favorite candy would be a Nutteriffic,” said Yoder.  “But you’ll have to watch the show to understand why!”
Morrie Ender, Director
“I would have to say my favorite are the Runts,” Enders said.  “They’re shaped like little pieces of fruit.  My favorites are the bananas.”
Tim Kilmartin, Candy Man/ Phineaus Trout
Tim Kilmartin, a commercial loan officer at Comerica Bank, will be playing the roles of the Candy Man and reporter Phineaus Trout.
“They just came out with a new candy called Trinkets,” said Kilmartin, who has volunteered the past five years with the Civic.  “It’s basically pop rocks covered in chocolate.  I love chocolate, and who doesn’t like pop rocks?”
Steve Schwall, Willy Wonka
Steve Schwall, a fight choreographer who has been acting since age nine, will be playing the role of Willy Wonka.
“I’m not much of a candy fanatic, but I do love Nut Crunch Bars,” Schwall said.  “I’m a peanut fanatic, and the idea of chocolate and peanuts together is just delicious.”
Willy Wonka will open at the Civic Theatre Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. and will run through Dec. 13.  Student tickets are $14 for matinee performances and $19 for evening performances.  Adult tickets range from $17 to $22.  For a complete performance schedule or to purchase tickets visit www.kazoocivic.com or call the box office at (269) 343-1313.

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Posted by HeraldAdmin on Nov 20 2008. Filed under Weekend Scene. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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