By: Amanda Millea
2.5/5 Stars
Roald Dahl was an author of every kid’s childhood, or a least a large majority. I remember sitting on the floor during reading time in the library, listening to the school librarian read “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” to the entire class. So naturally, when I heard FC would be putting on the production, I was really excited considering how well the plays here turn out. However, after seeing “Willy Wonka,” I left the theater with my sweet tooth barely satisfied.
Willy Wonka is the story of Charlie Bucket and his family. Just as Charlie’s family thinks that they have lost all luck, Charlie finds the last of five golden tickets the famous chocolate maker Willy Wonka has given out in a contest. The contest gives these five kids—Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Mike Teavee, and Violet Beauregarde, and Charlie—the chance to visit Wonka’s factory and win a lifetime supply of chocolate. As the children and their chaperones are given their tour of the factory, they visit rooms that tempt their own personal cravings and wind up in more trouble than anticipated.
This play was definitely colorful, at times even trippy. The costumes were very playful, clearly reflecting the childlike spirit of the play. The technical aspects of the show also had some minor complications on the opening night of the show, but those may have been specific to that night only. The special effects could have been better, especially when Augustus was sucked up into the tube, but I understand that is probably the only way to portray that part of the play. The play was adapted from Dahl’s book by Leslie Bricusse and Tim McDonald, but the script itself was poorly written and parts of it got rather annoying after a while, such as Grandpa George’s (Aaron Johnson) hearing loss antics. The songs all had a bubbly beat, making you want to skip like all of the Chocolateers onstage, but this bubbly quality made some of the songs sound a lot alike. There was an exceptional amount of talent in some of the younger performers, such as 5th grader Jordan Burger (Mike Teevee), who was one of the stronger singers in the show, and sophomore Mark Merk’s, who had an exceptional radio voice. The Oompa Loompas were still as terrifying to me as they were in the movie adaptations, but the kids seemed to have a fun time singing all of the classic Oompa Loompa songs.
Overall, the play gave me a few small laughs and really made me want to watch the film adaptations. “Willy Wonka” wasn’t all I expected it to be, but the cast seemed to have a great time performing it and the audience was packed with supportive parents. I would say that the play was definitely more family oriented, due to the adolescent jokes and the many laughs I heard from children during the play. So, if you’re looking for a family night out, “Willy Wonka” is a great way to fill your own sweet tooth with some family fun.
I read with interest Ms. Millea’s review of “Willy Wonka” and while I can see some of her points, it is important to note a couple of points.
I think all can agree that the actual script adaptation of the movie is not as strong as it could have been, however, the show does capture the general quirkiness of the story.
Certainly, the show is geared toward the young and young at heart. The fact that Ms. Millea didn’t find the “magic” of the show does not seem to be the opinion of the sell out audiences. After that first night’s performance and after “word got out” we were averaging 100 calls per day for tickets and, from the response of the audiences leaving the performances, I think the actors have done an incredible job. The lead actors of Charlie and Willy Wonka are exceptional, yet were snubbed by the critic. Is this my favorite show produced by F.C. Theatre? No. However, is it a quality show that the vast majority of our patrons are enjoying to the max, yes. More importantly, does the show give a large quantity of elementary, middle school and high school students a chance to be involved in a cultural activity that serves only to further their interest in the cultural arts….yes….absolutely.
I suppose the point that has been brought to my attention that most concerns me is the fact that the student critic of this production is not viewing the show with a completely unbiased view. Being very verbal about the displeasure of her boyfriend being involved in the show and thus taking time away from the relationship seems to be a factor that should have been taken into consideration when choosing a student to compose an unbiased review.
Again, to each his own. We can’t all like the same things and, indeed, not all things are of the same quality, but let’s be sure that when viewing a production and making public comment, that outside issues do not enter the picture.
Sincerely, Chris Bundy
oh so funny….
I didn’t see the play but I was told by several people (including cast members) that it “wasn’t very good” or “wasn’t worth seeing”. I don’t see how the statement about Amanda’s relationship with her boyfriend being a contributing factor to this review has any validity, seeing as she went to see the play to support him, not to disparage the over all quality of the play. Although, the comment above does bring up a good point. From now on, all Bagpiper staff who intend on writing a review of any school play should first be questioned to make sure they aren’t friends, siblings, or significant others with anyone in the play. This is the only way to completely avoid biased reviews, good or bad.
I have to agree with you on many points about the play itself and how the adaptation is not exactly up to par with the original performance of “Willy Wonka”. The way this show was written definitely engages a different audience. All of the jokes, puns, props, etc. are for the children coming to this show as well as parents of children in the show. When you watch the original “Willy Wonka”, it reaches out to all ages which merely shows the brilliance of Roald Dahl. As a cast, we definitely agreed he’s probably turning over in his casket right now due to this particular adaptation.
However, despite all negativity towards the written work, I think the performance was quite wonderful. Being a cast member myself, the point of this show was to get the laughs from the children. Any adult or adolescent laughter is quite encouraged, but this show is for kids. I do believe every cast member gave their best effort and put a lot of heart into this show. Considering the time limit we had, we pulled it off quite nicely. There were minimal prop complications and almost all oompa loompas danced with each other in sync. I’d say that is an accomplishment in itself!
I do respect your opinion, although I feel you should first realize who we’re trying to engage in the audience as well as the point of this show. Both are two huge things that factor into props, sets, costumes, music, as well as performance. In the end, this has been a really wonderful show. I do believe as a cast we have performed the show to our greatest ability and allowed some little kids really get into the magic of Willy Wonka. Truthfully that’s all we ever wanted.
– Laura A. Duncan
I’m so impressed with the quality of comments posted here by readers. In a time when so many comments on media and web sites are poorly written, overly emotional, and anonymous, FC readers choose to engage in thoughtful, reasonable discourse and sign their names. This is what real debate and discourse should be like, and it’s a necessary part of any school.