Get set to be transported into the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Delta Youth Theatre is just days away from opening night of its first show of the season – Willy Wonka Jr. – which runs Nov. 28 to Dec. 2 at Ladner’s Genesis Theatre.
Based on Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with songs from the 1971 film and a raft of new tunes, the musical tells the story of poor Charlie Bucket who wins a golden ticket to tour the famous candy factory of the reclusive Willy Wonka. The DYT show - with four casts - features more than 100 young performers from Delta, Richmond, White Rock and Langley.
DYT artistic co-founders Tony Barton and Tracy Neff are proud of the growth the young company has made in the four years since its inception.
“We started working with the four-cast model in response to the fact that we had so many talented students coming out to auditions,” said Neff. “Then it became this really innovative way to learn, not only for us as directors and choreographers, but for the students as well.” The five-day performance schedule gives every cast the experience of a professional level theatre production.
“It’s probably one of the most unique things about our company. Most companies will have one cast with maybe an understudy or two, but because we do four casts these kids learn from each other,” he said.
“It also eliminates the diva or divo aspect of someone having a lead role. They all know there are three others playing their role, so it humbles them a bit and they get to see at a young age that it takes a great, professional group to put on a show. There is lot of talent and your job is to do the best job you can do to make the show a success.”
Barton, who both directs and designs DYT productions, said the team researched several versions of the show before arriving at a version it felt best reflects the world of imagination that Dahl created.
“We tend to do a lot of popular musicals and Disney productions, but I grew up with Willy Wonka and we quickly realized that it is a true actors’ show,” said Barton. “We get to showcase many of our talented actors in this show.”
Neff said Willy Wonka also allows the company to involve its many age ranges.
“This was one of the shows where we can showcase our older cast and younger cast with a diversity of age ranges,” she said. “We give them everything they need from costumes, scripts, direction to make them successful and to put on the best, professional show possible.”
Another highlight is that actor Neal McDonough (Rogue, Arrow, Suits) has been invited to work with students as he plays The Candyman on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. He will also be hosting a talk back after the Saturday show.
His daughters London and Catherine are also in the production.
“When he first joined us last year with Annie, I asked myself back stage how is Neal on our stage. We are so blessed to have him,” said Barton. “And it’s just not him doing a performance. Neal is such a wonderful human being and he is such an example for these young actors.”
Barton said as opening night draws closer, the excitement is starting to build.
“As a director it’s like being a coach where you want to get your cast to peak and peak on opening night,” he said. “The actors are starting to see and reap the rewards of their hard work. They see the cast coming together and feel the scenes taking shape and it just grows and motivates into opening night.”
Tickets, which are $25, are available online at: www.deltayouththeatre.com or by calling 604-417-7748.
