Musical adapted from Dahl classic gets the local stage treatment next two weekends
Cast members rehearse for Stage Door Fine Arts' production of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," which opens tomorrow at The Community House. The troupe's version of the musical, based on Roald Dahl's beloved story, features three different cast groupings over the six shows. The entire family is sure to captivated by the adventures that ensue inside Willy Wonka's mysterious factory. (Jim Slonoff photos)
Get your golden ticket for the sweetest show in town!
Stage Door Fine Arts invites audience members into the world of Willy Wonka's pure imagination with its production of the musical "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," opening tomorrow, Jan. 24, at The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St.
Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, protagonist Charlie Bucket dreams of an adventure beyond his poor circumstances by finding one of five golden tickets hidden inside chocolate bar wrappers, which will admit him through the gates of the eccentric and reclusive Willy Wonka's magical factory.
Cast member Maddie Starr, a junior at Hinsdale Central and veteran of more than a dozen Stage Door shows, plays Veruca Salt, a spoiled girl who is possession of one of the other tickets. She is one of three Veruca's in the triple-cast production, with each roster delivering its own flavor.
"Even though we're (playing) the same parts, we all have our own twists to things," she said. "There's time to ad lib and come up with different things, and it's so fun."
Eleanor Lucht, a Central sophomore and another seasoned Stage Door performer who also portrays Veruca, echoed Starr.
"We both have our own spin on the character, which differentiates the casts from each other," Lucht said, adding that directors Don Smith and Paula Taylor are very receptive to actors' ideas.
"If we have something we think would be cool to do in the show, we could suggest it and they'll be like, 'Absolutely, that's a great idea.' "
Taylor said those familiar with past versions of the story - starring Gene Wilder, Johnny Depp or Timothee Chalamet - can expect to see something fresh.
"Seeing it through Stage Door Fine Arts' eyes will bring an even different perspective. While there are themes of lessons in greed and vanity, audiences will love it for its upbeat dance numbers, colorful costumes and extravagant sets," she said.
The lucky ticketholders and their chaperones (Grandpa Joe for Charlie) embark on a life-changing journey through chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, revealed by Wonka's army of curious Oompa-Loompas each step of the way.
Juliana Waters, a Central senior who plays Willy Wonka, said she's had a blast inhabiting the one-of-kind chocolatier. The experience took her memory back to another fantastical universe.
"It's like a full-circle moment because in my first (Stage Door) show, I played a munchkin in 'The Wizard of Oz,' " she related. "Being able to play a larger-than-life character now in a whimsical, magical land has been so much fun."
The three were well-acquainted the story before joining the cast, but the camaraderie that they've formed with everyone involved in bringing it to The Community House stage has been a rewarding discovery, they said.
"I'm always just getting through the week so I can come here and enjoy myself," Lucht said. "I think it's made the overall journey of being here so much better."
Performing alongside fledgling actors as young as second grade, the elder members say they relish mentoring the little ones just as they benefited from those connections years ago.
"Now I'm finally at the point where little kids can look up to me, too, and be like, 'That's what I want to be when I'm older,' " Lucht said.
Waters said playing Wonka represents a striking evolution through her stage journey,
"Starting out at Stage Door, I was a really shy person and had stage fright, but being able to perform on stage has given me so much more confidence and the ability to talk to people," she said.
The three encourage community members of all ages to enter candy country.
"Just be ready for a lot of fun songs and costumes and a lot of unforgettable scenes in the show," Starr said.
"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is on stage Jan. 24-26 and Jan. 30-Feb. 2. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Thursday, Jan. 30; 2 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26; 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2.
Tickets are $25 to $30. Visit http://www.sdfa.booktix.com or call (630) 323-7500.
