Volunteers perform a musical based on a popular children’s book
By Erika Wells
The show must go on for members of a local after-school theater arts education program.
Severe thunderstorms moving through central Virginia knocked out electricity on opening night of “Willy Wonka,” a production presented by the Richmond Christian Youth Theater (CYT) at the Oates Theater at Collegiate School in Richmond last night.
This was a “unique situation” for the cast and crew, said Brooke Abrahamsen, the artistic director.
“We did an early intermission and used a small sound system and emergency lights,” Abrahamsen said
From the big screen to the small stage
The production, which features about 95 actors, ages 8 to 18, is about a young boy, Charlie Bucket, who wins a tour of a chocolate factory, owned by an eccentric candy maker named Willy Wonka.
“This production is really for the whole family. It’s entertaining for kids and adults,” said Abrahamsen.
The newly-staged musical uses older music from the Gene Wilder movie adaptation and new elements from the Johnny Depp version of the Roald Dahl book, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” said Abrahamsen, whose program puts on at least three shows each year.
“This season, we performed ‘A Christmas Carol: the Musical’ and ‘Narnia,’” said Nancy Allen, the area show coordinator. “The group decided to do Willy Wonka because the spring show is usually fun.”
A look inside the production company
Founded in 1981, CYT is one of the largest children’s theater programs in the nation, according to the program’s web page.
Paul and Sheryl Russell started the program in San Diego, and there are 13 branches in 12 states.
The group also performs for local children’s hospitals and inner city youth, said Sharon Dintaman, the marketing and costume warehouse manager.
Family members from the community help make the production possible, said Dintaman, who got involved once her daughters joined CYT.
“This is such a family affair,” Dintaman said, “This makes the show fun, with a lot of heart and a great message of imagination.”
A group of approximately 90 volunteers, mainly parents, did promotion, created the costumes and built the sets.
“The movie was hard to adapt to stage,” said Abrahamsen. “So, we use a lot of puppetry to pull off special effects.”
Closing the curtains for the season
Although the volunteers spent 10 weeks of preparation, often sacrificing extracurricular activities, 12-year-old Charlie Allen said his effort was worthwhile.
“This has been one of the best experiences of my life,” said Allen, a rising seventh grader at Banner Christian School, who plays the role of Charlie Bucket.
The final show of the 2008-2009 season was also the last performance with CYT for 18-year-old Carson Burkett, a home-schooled senior, who plays the leading character, Willy Wonka.
Burkett, who will attend Liberty University this fall, dedicated the performance to “the future leaders of CYT” and invited everyone to the show.
“Just come out and see it,” said Burkett. “You’ll enjoy it. It’s a great opportunity to use your imagination.”
The Friday show starts at 5 PM. On Saturday, there are shows at 2 PM & 7 PM. There is also a 2 PM show on Sunday.
Ticket prices cost from $9 to $15, depending on seating locations. Please call the box office at (804) 744- 4001 for more information.