Willy Wonka hits the stage

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

The Youth Theatre Company is preparing to bring a beloved classic to life with their upcoming production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka set to open on Jan. 17 at the Hope Community Covenant Church. 

With a cast of nearly 30 performers ranging from children as young as eight to experienced adult actors, the local company is promising an enchanting and family-friendly performance that highlights both talent and community spirit.

“We always gear towards full family-friendly, most recognizable stories, just so we can create some hype around it,” said Chelsea Hall, president of The Youth Theatre Company. “Willy Wonka is just so much fun and has lots of different ages, different characters. It’s quite well known. Lots of little kids still read it with their parents.” 

The show attracted nearly 60 people to auditions, making it the company’s most popular casting call yet.

The production features a mix of seasoned performers and young talent. Hall emphasized the excitement of working with the children in the cast. 

“It is really fun because they are just so into it. They kind of know the characters; they know how silly they can be. We have about a third of our cast under 12,” she said. 

She also highlighted the role of community support in making the production possible. 

“We’ve had lots of local sponsors donate money and time to the show, which really helps because we’re all self-funded at the moment,” Hall added.

At the center of the story is Devon Hall, who plays Willy Wonka.

“I tried to pull a little bit of Gene Wilder, but that’s hard to replicate, so I have to make it my own a little bit,” said Hall. “I think my favourite part of Willy Wonka is probably, the kind of two sides of his character. Where it’s not just playing, ‘Oh, I’m happy all the time.’ Sometimes you’re a little scared of him,”

The production also highlights Charlie Bucket, shared by two young performers, Rayah Sale (11) and Aria Nordstrom (13). “I think they’ll enjoy the show and think we put a lot of work into it because we have worked hard,” said Sale. 

Nordstrom agreed. 

“It has been really great. It has been really busy, but it’s going to be worth it,” said Nordstrom. “I hope that they laugh at the jokes as well because some of them are pretty funny.” 

Hall reflected on what she hopes the audience will take away. 

“I hope they just have a good time. Enjoy local theatre, supporting the arts community, which is growing in Strathmore,” said Hall. “I want them to say, ‘Hey, that was really good. I’m going to come to the next show.’” 

With rehearsals underway and opening night approaching, the company is ready to share their hard work and creativity with the community. 

Evening performances run Jan. 17, 23, 24, 30, 31 at 7 p.m., while the afternoon matinees run Jan. 17, 18, 24, 25, 3, and Feb. 1 and 2 p.m. 

Tickets can be purchased through their website (www.youththeatrecompany.ca).