PLEASE NOTE THIS GIVEAWAY ENDED DECEMBER 19, 2011
It’s a sticky-sweet confection of ‘Pure Imagination’! Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this musical adaptation, with classic songs from the Oscar-nominated family film.
Photos provided by NWCT
Based on Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), the play, Willy Wonka brings the story to the stage, including favorites such as “Pure Imagintaion” and “Candy Man”, as well as new songs from Leslie Bricusse (who composed the film). Originally intended to help promote the newly formed Willy Wonka’s Candy Company the movie, adapted from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, became a cult classic and has gone on to become one of the most beloved titles in the history of children’s cinema. When given the opportunity to produce the stage version of Wonka NWCT leapt at the chance. For more about the show, click here.
From PDX Kids Calendar reviewers, the Corwin family
“Our co-reviewers, ages four, eight, and ten, were entirely captivated right from the opening solo of “Pure Imagination” by John Ellingson. He perfectly captures the mysterious and humorous Wonka in the title role, while bringing exquisite vocal talent to bear in heart-warming performances throughout the show. Another impressive performance comes from high school freshman Connor Johnson, who hits a home run in his Main Stage debut as the painfully poor, but plucky and optimistic Charlie Bucket.
Indeed, the entire cast shows marvelous talent and execution across the range of singing, dancing and acting demanded in this show. And many of the supporting characters are surprising in their impact. For example, Audrey Voon, as Mrs. Bucket, sings with soulful, almost angelic clarity. And, for comic relief, the grandparent characters had the audience roaring with laughter.
The story of the world-famous candy maker looking to find an heir is well known from the book and two movie versions. But there is nothing like seeing musical theater live and in-person, especially when it is done this well.”
Read our complete review here.
We are so excited to be giving away a family four pack of tickets to one lucky reader to see NWCT’s “Willy Wonka”! Details on entering below.
TO ENTER:
Simply leave a comment below telling us about your favorite Willy Wonka character, or why you love NWCT or PDX Kids Calendar! We do read all the comments and, though it doesn’t effect the random choice of the winner, entertaining, complimentary or appreciative comments are very much appreciated!
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Only comments on this post will be counted (not those made on Facebook or Twitter). Winner drawn at random. Giveaway begins at 6:00 AM on Wednesday December 14, 2011 and ends 11:59 PM PST on Monday December 19, 2011. Only entries with valid emails will be counted. IF YOU REGISTER YOUR COMMENT THROUGH FACEBOOK, YAHOO, TWITTER ETC PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IS VISIBLE ON YOUR PROFILE! Entries valid within the US only.
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Playing the title role of Wonka has been Resident Artist John Ellingson’s dream since he was a child. “I have been watching the Wilder film since I was three,” says PAMTA award-winner Ellingson. “Wonka is a very comedic character, but he is complex as well,” an exciting opportunity for a performer who has played characters ranging from Winnie the Pooh to the Tin Man to Shinigami (the spirit of death). What does it take to prepare for the role of a lifetime? “While I want to honor all the Wonkas who have come before me I hope to make my Wonka unique,” states Ellingson, before adding, “I am also working hard on developing a taste for chocolate.”
Sharing the spotlight with Ellingson are five youth performers, including Connor Johnson, who makes his NWCT mainstage debut as protagonist Charlie Bucket. Over 350 children auditioned, with 185 of them being called back specifically for Willy Wonka. Throughout the audition process, Connor stood out as having the honest, sincere disposition needed for the role of Charlie. “Charlie is the eternal optimist,” says Artistic Director Sarah Jane Hardy. “While the other children arrive at the factory driven by greed and a sense of entitlement, Charlie is excited just to be part of the adventure.“
Charlie’s overstuffed household (two parents, four grandparents, and one bed) is played by a cadre of NWCT veterans. Local comedian and PAMTA award-winner Kevin-Michael Moore is Grandpa Joe,
who leaves his bed to accompany Charlie through the factory. Charlie’s other three live-in grandparents are portrayed by Erik James, Sue Ellen Christensen and Phyllis Lang. His hard-working parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bucket, are played by Audrey Voon and Drammy Award-winner Lucas Welsh.
Joining Charlie in his quest through Wonka’s factory is a quartet of children who personify excess at its worst. Matt Garcia stars as the aptly named Augustus Gloop, Madison Thompson as the materialistic Veruca Salt, Kate Schifferdecker is Violet Beauregard and Conner Reed as technology obsessed Mike Teavee.
Appearing as their woefully inept parents are Jonah Weston as Mr. Salt, Victoria Blake as Mrs. Gloop, Olivia Shimkus as Mrs. Beauregard and NWCT alum Elizabeth Gibbs as Ms. Teavee. Rounding out the cast is an ensemble of talented young actors fresh from NWCT’s theater school. Annie Willis, Cameron Guess, Francisco Covarrubias, Isaac Ufer, Jadyn LaRiviere, Kate Thresher, Martin Tebo, and Miriam Jaffe portray the iconic Oompa-Loompas as well as a host of schoolchildren, and various townspeople. Joseph Klei makes an appearance as reporter Phineas Trout.
Bringing the chocolate factory and its inhabitants to life are a set by Mina Kinukawa, costumes by Shana Targosz, lights by Kristeen Willis Crosser, sound design by Rody Ortega, props by Sarah Lydecker, scenic painting by John Ellingson (Wonka) and Ryan Nicolai, and music direction by Lucas Welsh. Willy Wonka is produced in part through the support of a presenting sponsorship from Saint Cupcake, who will be offering a special Wonka themed cupcake for sale during the holiday season. In addition, five lucky winners will draw cupcakes containing a “Golden Ticket” earning them tickets to the show and other prizes. Additional support comes from the Oregonian (through a presenting media sponsorship), the Collins Foundation, Regional Arts and Culture Council and Work for Art, the Oregon Arts Commission, the Oregon Cultural Trust, SERA Architects, Schwabe Williamson and Wyatt, Kink FM, the NWCT Producer’s Guild and NWCT Donor Circle Members. Over 4,000 students will be invited to share in Charlie’s adventure through NWCT’s school matinee performances.
PLEASE NOTE THIS GIVEAWAY ENDED DECEMBER 19, 2011
