Thirteen La Jolla youths, ranging in age from 10 to 15, will be singing and dancing their way through the world’s most famous fictional chocolate factory in the JCompany’s Youth Theatre production of “Willy Wonka” running March 10 to 26. The show will be performed at The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus Garfield Theatre. La Jolla is well-represented with Nathan Conlan in the title role, Ben Jimenez as Mike Teavee and Marina Hall as Violet Beauregarde. Other La Jolla children in the cast are Nika Sadr, Tali DePodesta, Abby Eichner, Zenovia Baluta- Freitas, Stella Campion, Kayhan Sadr, Leah de Witte, Kourosh Sadr, Brendan Dallaire and Mark Rifkin.
Based on the beloved classic film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), the musical brings the story to the stage, including musical favorites such as “Pure Imagination” and “Candy Man;” as well as new songs from Leslie Bricusse, who composed the music for the film starring Gene Wilder who passed away last year.
Here’s the story in a chocolate covered nutshell… The show follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding five golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whoever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats: the fifth is a likable young lad named Charlie Bucket who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory, or suffer the consequences.
The themes of the musical based on the classic book, which was written over 50 years ago, are as pertinent today as they were in the 1960’s. Charlie is the epitome of honesty and generosity while the other contestants represent greed, sloth, and gluttony. JCompany’s Artistic Director, Joey Landwehr, concedes with a smile that both children and adults love this play because of its confectionary connections but adds, “The kids really admire the classic good overcomes evil theme of the story. Especially today, everyone likes a happy ending and this show really delivers!
Landwehr admits, “This is an ambitious play to produce requiring an incredible amount of time and talent both on stage and behind the curtain.” He beams, “It seems everyone has really sunk their teeth into this production.” The cast includes 83 children ranging in age from seven to 15 from 47 San Diego county schools. This performance, with its colorful sets, whimsical music, gobs of goodies and delectable dialogue is the perfect golden ticket for children and adults alike. Bring the grandparents, bring the neighbors and don’t forget to bring your dentist.
Show and ticket information
All performances take place at the David and Dorothea Garfield Theatre at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus, 4126 Executive Drive, La Jolla. Call 858-362-1348 or visit www.jcompanysd.org to purchase tickets. Ticket Cost: $19, Students and JCC Members $17. Group rates available.
