Oompa, loompa, doompadee-doo…
OK, if you’re not already singing along, the Changelings Theatre Company is offering a chance.
The Raintree Arts Council group is presenting the family musical classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Performances are at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 and 24 and 2 p.m. Feb. 18 and 25 at The Apple Shed on Highway 79 at the south edge of Clarksville. Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for students and seniors 65 and older, and are available by calling 817-300-9796. Changelings Director Mary Lang Fournier. says the production will be similar to the 1971 movie, which was drawn from a 1964 novel by Roald Dahl.
“It’s fun and it’s truly for all ages,” she said. “The kids love the fantasy and the grownup stuff goes right by them. And finally, who doesn’t love chocolate?”
Unlike in the movie, the lead character, Charlie Bucket, will be played by a female. Also, there is no Mike Teevee character. For those unaware, the plot focuses upon the evils of greed and selfishness. Wonka offers a tour of his chocolate factory and a lifetime supply of goodies to one of four people who find golden tickets hidden in his candy bars. Three of the contestants are privileged, self-indulgent jackasses. Charlie is a benevolent kid who just hopes to make life better for his poor family. Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt and Violet Beauregarde each bring a compliant parent on the tour. Charlie chooses his Grandpa Joe, who was employed at the factory until he and others were replaced by the mysterious Oompa Loompas.
“There are plenty of surprises,” Fournier promised. “You never know who shows up where. And, for this production, we’ve been able to team up with some new technicians, bringing some new thrills. There are a few more moving parts, but it’s so fun to have more creative minds involved.”
Veteran Changelings actress Donna Grote takes delight in portraying the exhaustingly fussy Veruca Salt.
“I never knew how much fun it would be to get in touch with my inner brat,” Grote said. “Yes, I definitely get a little salty. You’ll hear all about it when I let loose on ‘I Want It Now.’”
Other numbers include “Think Positive,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” “Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination.” The musical will feature three Oompas, and Fournier is taking what she calls “a different approach” to their presentation.
“They are each unique types,” she said. “We have a sweetie, a hippie chick and a grumpy old fart. Costumes will help set the tone.”
The Oompas are important because they serve as the “Greek chorus in emphasizing the moral dilemmas for the audience,” Fournier said. With 22 people in the cast and crew, the musical is the largest production Changelings has attempted since its inception in 2018. Run time is about two hours with an intermission. The director remembers attending musicals with her father. He considered shows successful if the two were still singing the music afterward. So, Fournier has a challenge for those who attend “Willy Wonka.”
“I dare you to leave the theater not singing ‘The Oompa Loompa Song’” she said.
CUTLINE FOR PHOTO:
Cast members of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” rehearse the tune “Think Positive.” The musical will be staged at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 and 24 and 2 p.m. Feb. 18 and 25 at The Apple Shed in Clarksville. Tickets are available by calling 817-300-9796. Pictured, from left, are Codi Hobson, Jeanie Eisenhower, Ricky Fournier, Kasey Leake and Angela Maier.