‘Willy Wonka Jr.’ Sports a Talented Cast

Theater Review

Oh, my goodness, one would have to be a real Scrooge not to laugh out loud at the Theatre Palisades Youth production of “Willy Wonka Jr.,” continuing this weekend at the Pierson Playhouse.

This show is great for all ages. If you have elementary-aged children, this is the perfect way to introduce them to live musical theater. And if your 85-year-old mother-in-law is in town, take her, too. Mine turned to me several times during the show to say, “Those kids are so talented.” She was right—and had a great time.

For those unfamiliar with Roald Dahl’s story, Willy Wonka owns a chocolate factory and decides to find a successor. He hides five golden tickets in chocolate bars. The winners will receive a tour of his factory and a lifetime supply of chocolate. Four privileged and indulged children, who have received tickets, and the poverty-stricken Charlie meet with Wonka. The four children exhibit despicable behavior that causes them to be sent off.

Only Charlie remains. Wonka tells him that his actual prize is the factory, explaining that he created the Golden Ticket ruse to help him find an honest and worthy child to be his heir.

“Willy Wonka Jr.” is based on the 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which was later made into a musical film, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” starring Gene Wilder. (The movie will screen at Movies in the Park on August 24.)

Director Dorothy Dillingham Blue has the uncanny ability to cast shows. Unlike most adult and youth shows where actors try out for roles and then are either selected or rejected, Blue finds a role for everybody.

In some of her shows the youth actors fit the roles better than in other musicals, but Blue has hit a homerun here, starting with Willy Wonka (Brendan Welch). From the moment he enters the darkened theater from the rear doors, illuminated only by flashlights, his crystal clear voice is a joy to listen to. His confidence, easy smiles and asides are all on target; he’s an actor to watch in the future.

Charlie Bucket (Joey Pollack) also has an excellent voice and nice stage presence, as he plays the economically downtrodden youth who come from a family whose motto is optimism.

Almost stealing the show were Mrs. Gloop (Mia Ruhman) and son Augustus (Caroline Weller). I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time. They had lovely voices, nice timing and even a German accent. Wow.

Singing, acting and showing (chewing) blue gum all in the same breath takes lots of talent. Veruca Salt (Elle Baker) acted absolutely the bratty best as she did all three.  Her father, Mr. Salt (Riley Stoler), was perfect as the dad trying to give his insufferably spoiled daughter everything. Mikaele Teavee (Sophie Landau) had lovely energy as the kid addicted to television and video games, and Mrs. Teavee (Vera Abrams) played the indulgent mother nicely.

Even if you have not the slightest interest in youth musicals or seeing 21 talented kids, this show is well worth your money just to see the costumes, hair and makeup done by parents Dawn Baker, Adriana Ruhman, Jody Crabtee and Tracy Landau.

Holly Leff-Pressman is the producer and Roget Chahayed is the musical director.

Final performances are August 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m., August 3 at 5 p.m. and August 4 at 2 p.m. at the Playhouse on 941 Temescal Canyon Road. Tickets are $14. Call (310) 454-1970 or visit theatrepalisades.com.