MOUNT VERNON — How does a free tour of a chocolate factory and a lifetime supply of candy sound? MTVarts’ artsIQ will present two scrumdiddlyumptious musicals, Willy Wonka KIDS and Willy Wonka JR, at the Knox County Memorial Theater September 13 to 22.
Adapted from Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY the musical tells the story of Willy Wonka, world famous inventor of the Everlasting Gobstopper, who has just made an astonishing announcement. His marvelous — and mysterious — factory is opening its gates…to a lucky few. That includes young Charlie Bucket, whose life definitely needs sweetening.
He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing, life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination. Get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper!
Knox county loves youth theatre and the demand is high for participation. With over 100 children involved there will be two versions of the show presented over the next two weekends – Willy Wonka KIDS and Wonka JR.
The KIDS version will be presented to all kindergarten students in Knox County at a morning matinee. The JR version will be morning matinees for grades 1 and 2. The school performances are offered through the Knox County “YES” program. There is no cost to the schools.
Willy Wonka KIDS features actors ages eight to eleven. This version is shorter in length and the perfect introduction for the youngest theatergoers. Appropriate for ages 2 and up. Use the code CHOCOLATE for a buy 2 get 1 free ticket discount and bring the whole family. Show times and dates for KIDS are Friday, Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday Sept. 14 at 2 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Willy Wonka JR is filled with a talented cast of seasoned performers between the ages of 12 and 18. Most have performed in all 6 artsIQ shows and strive for the standards of professionals. Show times and dates for Willy Wonka JR are Friday Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. Package pricing is available offering both shows for $22, an $8 savings.
“Our toughest question before we design a setting for a fantasy story that’s so well known and beloved is, ‘How do we get the magic onstage?’” says artistic director Bruce Jacklin. He notes that he has “tried to draw out some natural wonder with a huge tone difference between the drab world of Charlie’s home and the technicolor dreamland of Willy Wonka — a lot like Kansas versus Oz. The creative design team has been collaborating to work wonders to nail this goal.”
In addition to Jacklin the design of the show’s magic are musical directors Joe Jancura and Mary Kepple, lead choreographer Laura Webster; Ruth Frady designs hair/wigs, Keri Mahan with makeup, and Jessica Smarrella for costumes. Joe Bell is the master carpenter. Lighting designers are Kurt Muller and Leland Leger, sound engineer is Alex Thompson, acting coach is Ian Fraser Ernsberger, stage managers are Serra Barrett and Kate Ernsberger. Eli Chung is production manager and Janis Stone and Scott Swingle are the producers. Kristen Campbell and Sarah Gratz were our workshop leaders this summer and are our rehearsal assistants.
For more information or to purchase tickets visit our website at MTVarts.com. Tickets can also be purchased at First Knox National Bank main office, or at the door one hour before curtain. Together we can support innovative and quality youth theatre while exploring the world of pure imagination. After all, when it comes to magic, is anybody ever too old?
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