The West Monroe High School Drama Department is presenting Willy Wonka April 5-8. The play showcases sweet treats and tales of family.
The play begins with famed dessert maker Willy Wonka announcing to the world that his retirement is long overdue. Wonka creates a contest to find his replacement. The five lucky children who find a golden ticket in the wrapper of a "Wonka Bar" win a chance to visit the Wonka Chocolate Factory and possibly take over the factory.
"I watched a little bit of both the Johnny Depp and Gene Wilder versions of Wonka," says Graham Scarborough on preparing for his role as Willy Wonka. "The whole show is a big mix of both versions, as well as our own interpretations." Scarborough says the cast and crew have been preparing since January for the performances.
Caleb Norman, who plays Charlie Bucket in the show, also looked to the movies as inspiration for his character. "When I first got cast as Charlie," says Norman, "I had to develop the mindset of what it's like to be a child and still see the world as your oyster."
More information about the West Monroe High School production of Willy Wonka and the opportunity to purchase your own "Golden Ticket" are available here.