Chaffey to be first to
perform 'Wonka' musical
By Diana Sholley, Staff Writer
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In the 43 years since author Roald Dahl
wrote "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" there have been two movies
based on that book, but no play.
Until now.
The first licensed musical performance of "Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" will appear on stage
- not at the Pantages, the Ahmanson or the Dorothy
Chandler Pavilion - but at Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium in
The story centers around Charlie, a poor boy who works hard
helping his family make ends meet. His luck changes for the better when he
unwraps a golden ticket from a chocolate bar, ensuring him a tour of a magical
chocolate factory given by its reclusive owner Willie Wonka.
It's a play Dave Masterson, chairman of the school's theater
department, has always dreamed of bringing to Chaffey,
but there was a problem. Such a play didn't exist.
Impossibilities never stopped Masterson before. After all, Chaffey was one of the first high schools to perform
"Les Miserables."
Masterson began writing Dahl's widow Felicity about 15 years ago
asking for permission. This year, she granted it. The pilot production will run from Nov. 29through December.
9. It's been adapted by screenwriter Tim McDonald and uses the original score
from the 1971 movie starring Gene Wilder written by Leslie Bricusse
and Anthony Newley. Also included are several musical
numbers not used in the film.
Masterson has already secured ZFX Flying Effects to build
"the Wonkavator" and complete other
effects.
"Getting the rights to do this show is huge," Masterson
said. "There has been so much excitement generated by my industry
contacts. I predict that Wonka will become the
biggest request for production rights." Look forward to Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka.
Staff writer Diana Sholley can be
reached by e-mail at d_sholley@dailybulletin.com