MANSFIELD, Ohio – Step into a world of pure imagination at the Mansfield Playhouse this weekend with the opening of “Willy Wonka Jr.” – complete with edible set pieces and Oompa Loompas.
Directed by Doug Wertz, the youth show follows Roald Dahl’s classic story of Charlie Bucket inside the factory of eccentric chocolatier Willy Wonka. A cast of 38 children ages six to 18 bring the story to life onstage, with close to 50 percent of the cast in their first show at the Mansfield Playhouse.
“The talent and the voices with these young people is just exciting,” said Wertz. “We’ve got some great leading people. Our target audience is not only to families but families who have younger children to expose them to theater, and to show what kids can do onstage.”
The “Willy Wonka Jr.” show is a condensed version of the show but still runs about 90 minutes long, thanks to a little embellishment from Wertz by adding set changes, transitions and scene pieces. Most notable is the interior of Willy Wonka’s famous chocolate factory, complete with a chocolate waterfall.
“We threw some edible plants, they dip their hands in the mushrooms and get some creamy treats, and there are other nibbles inside of the candy trees and the plants down by the fountain,” said Wertz. “This has truly been a wonderful ensemble piece because of the volunteers that have stepped up really willing to help out. It goes to show we can’t do this alone.”
Wertz’s own son, 13-year-old Evan Wertz, plays Willy Wonka himself. Evan Wertz said while he’s seen both movie versions of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” the 1971 version with Gene Wilder is what fuels his inspiration for the role.
“He’s just loving the role,” said Doug Wertz. “Vocally for him it’s a wonderful piece. I think he said after this one he’s probably going to take a break and try some sports for a while.”
“I get a little crazy with this character,” added Evan Wertz. “It’s so much fun, not only socializing with the cast but having fun in the actual show.”
And of course, the chocolate factory would not be complete without Wonka’s team of Oompa Loompas. Wertz said 14 children bring to life the little orange workers with green hair, the overwhelmingly popular choice of character during auditions.
“The Oompa Loompas have four major numbers they sing and dance to, and they got to learn choreography,” said Wertz. “They’re going to steal the show, they’re just all too cute. The nice thing about being in ensemble in this is sometimes they’re more active than the lead roles. I think the audience is really going to enjoy them.”
“Willy Wonka Jr.” opens this Friday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. with additional showings on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 1 for a 2:30 p.m. matinee. Tickets can be found online at the Mansfield Playhouse website.
“It’s a very family-friendly show, there’s a lot of neat things to watch and the music is just wonderful, the orchestration along with the voices,” said Wertz. “I think it’s a favorite; it’s a classic.”
“It’s a very family-friendly show, there’s a lot of neat things to watch and the music is just wonderful, the orchestration along with the voices,” said Director Doug Wertz. “I think it’s a favorite; it’s a classic.”
Since the publication of this article the Mansfield Playhouse has added two more performances for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6 and Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. on both days. Tickets can be purchased by calling 419 522-2883 or go online to www.mansfieldplayhouse.com.
