• John Braden •
• Originally published January 15, 2009 at 11:17 a.m., updated January 15, 2009 at 11:17 a.m.

It’s Wonka-rrific, nut- arrific, scrumptious, and above everything else, it is chocolate – tastic. The Bay City High School Dungeoneers opens the family classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Thursday, Jan. 15, at 7:30 p.m. The Roald Dahl classic features a cast and crew of over 40 students, with 3 alternates and 4 adult crewmembers. The story keeps in theme to the 2009 Seasons of Heart for the drama department. “This show is beloved by an entire generation of kids. I was one of those kids that sang all the songs from the movie.” said Bay City High School theatre director Todd Deaver. “So when given the chance to do the show, I jumped at the opportunity.” This is the first musical directed by Deaver at Bay City. He is being assisted by Bay City High School speech and theatre director, Magda Mirelez and vocal director Kara Douglas. “Douglas has been an awesome addition to the program this year. She has a PhD in vocal performance and her direction has been invaluable for this young cast,” said Mirelez. “Douglas has brought energy and dedication. We are lucky to have her.” Deaver was the Assistant Theatre Director last year during the musical Annie and was looking forward to this year’s musical. “We (the students and staff) were waiting for the rights to perform the musical Grease, but when those were delayed, we chose to produce Charlie. That lets us look forward to another great musical next year,” said Deaver. The story of Charlie follows the young Bucket, an optimist, who is “lucky” enough to find a golden ticket inside a Wonka bar. The bearers of the five golden tickets are invited to enter the Wonka Chocolate Factory. There, Charlie finds a magical land and learns lessons about greed and obedience. The cast includes newcomers Taylor Brown as a cheerful Charlie Bucket and the powerful voice of Brian Rainosek as Willy Wonka. The other golden ticket winners are Augustus Gloop played by Aaron Reyna, Tess Jones as Violet Beauregarde, Nick Cowan as Mike Teevee, and Savannah Harrison as Veruca Salt. The parents are played by Emily Valdez, Christina Henson, Allison Kohnen, Allison Brown and Randy Volkmer. Lenora Ott will play the role of Violet Beauregarde on the Sunday Matinee, while Kaitlin Brangan will understudy multiple roles to play on different nights. The Bucket Family are Alyse Richey, Kristen Brown, Michael Brooking, Cameron LaSoya, Rachel Webbon, and Michael Webbon as Grandpa Joe. Other cast members include Heather Crummett, Jessica Haning, Ashley Rowland, Sunny Sieben and Tawny Garza as the Candy Kids, Mackenzie Kohnen, Taylor Nussle, Meghan Jex, Shelby Armour, Alysa Madsen, Lauren Dean, Rebecca Warner, Leslie Richey as the Oompa Loompas, and Lindsay Leissner as a parent/ Ensemble member. Rachel Willauer and Christina Humphries will stage manage the musical with Reno Curwick as Technical Crew Chief. Jonathan Huggins has served as Student Tech Crew Chief. The set artistry was designed and completed by Raleigh Conklin, Deaver and cast and crewmembers. Charlie will include the favorite songs from the movie classic including “Pure Imagination”, “Cheer Up Charlie” and “I got a golden Ticket”. Audiences will be able to buy Wonka treats and drinks during intermission, and a life size Wonka and Oompa Loompa cut-outs will be available for audiences to take pictures free of charge. Anyone finding a golden ticket inside a Wonka treat sold at concessions will get free admission to the remaining productions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The show will run 1 hour and 20 minutes so kids can watch the show and still get to bed early. Performances will take place Thursday January 15 - 17 at 7:30 PM in the Bay City High School Theater and Sunday at 2:30 PM. Doors open 30 minutes before every show and Tickets will be $7.00 at the doors. Pre-Sale tickets are available for $5.00 at the BCHS front office until Thursday. For Theatre information call 245-5771 Ext 1800.

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