The lights dim onstage in the imposing LHS auditorium. With no overture played by the live orchestra, seventh grader Caroline Nash starts the show as the titular Willy Wonka with the well known song “Imagination.” The fantasy of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory began in the Bucket family’s house. The four grandparents, Joe and Josephine (Lauren Hagberg and Langston Dionne), and George and Georgina (Lucas Wright and Morgan Chabot) were hilarious, particularly the adept comedic timing and skill of Lucas Wright. Grounding the show as Charlie was Amby Harriman.
Grandpa Joe (Lauren Hagberg) and Charlie (Amby Harriman)
Finally we meet the Golden ticket winners; Augustus Gloop (Romy Taylor), Veruca Salt (Emily Drew), Mike Teevee (Mack Laflamme), and Violet Beauregard (Emma Belcher), each with their own song. The mother-son duet “I Eat More,” performed by Tabitha Kneeland as Mrs. Gloop and Romy Taylor, was a hilarious introduction to the characters and it was apparent how much fun they had doing it. Each ticket winner made their well-known characters their own, adding fun twists and interactions that were super entertaining and just made so much sense.
The Oompa Loompas surrond Violet (Emma Belcher) and Augustus (Romy Taylor).
Out come the Oompa Loompas (Allison Phon, Tyana Marie Killion, Olivia Manno, Elsie Miller, Margaux Berecz, Makayla Rydwansky, Lizzie Boyer, Chase Avalos, Phoebe Austin, Whitney Cole, and Abby Muddasu) who are terrifying in unison as they encircle the bad children, who do come back at the end. The ferry scene was just as if not more spooky as the iconic Gene Wilder movie version.
The cast is frightened as they ride the eerie ferry.
This show was magical. This disturbingly wonderful childhood story came to life on stage, and every single actor added to the fantastic spectacle. Be sure to see them in Littleton Middle School’s next production, Forgiven: A Fairytale the first weekend in May. Before that, attend Littleton High School Drama’s spring musical, Chicago, the first weekend in April!