SMP Kids Camp brings sweet treat with ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’ production
Show will take the stage in SHS Friday through Sunday, July 15-17
Sterling Miracle Players’ latest Kids Camp production will provide a sweet treat for the community. The theater troop will be staging “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr.” Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 17.
This isn’t the first time SMP has taken on Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir; it was the group’s fifth show back in 2009 and the first show that was directed by Dana May. The now veteran director said she wanted to bring it back because some of it “wasn’t very magical the first time, so I wanted to redo some things.”
It also helped that her actors this year were perfect for some of the roles and the show has a cast that allows for a lot of kids.
SMP Kids Camp, which is designed for children ages kindergarten to 18, to learn about all aspects of theater production, has been growing significantly over the last couple of years. This year 47 youth signed up and one dropped out, for a total of 46 in the production. While many of the young actors have been involved in the productions for several years now, there is also a significant number who are trying it out for the first time.
“I just wanted to try and be in a play,” said William Visser, who plays Charlie Bucket, about what made him want to be involved with the production.
Others decided to do it because they have dreams of someday being an actress or actor, with one hoping to make it to Broadway. Also, several were familiar with “Willy Wonka” and couldn’t wait to be a part of it.
“It’s a second family and it’s one that you’re comfortable with,” said Trinity Cox, who plays Violet Beauregarde.
Addison Prusha, who plays Grandma Josephina, agreed, saying it’s a nice way to be able to see friends that they don’t normally get to see during the school year.
The cast members have greatly enjoyed learning the songs and dance numbers and getting to work with people like their “cool” choreographer Molly Mitchell, as well as May.
“Ms. May is actually my favorite part, I
like it when she’s telling us what to do and helping with the play,” said Bailey Genereux, who plays Veruca Salt.
Jaylin Collins, who plays Grandpa George, just likes being able to be loud and not get yelled at for it, Cox’s favorite part is learning all of the interesting parts of a musical and being able to help create the set, and Visser has enjoyed making new friends.
“I like being able to do what you love without being judged for it,” Genereux said, adding that she has enjoyed getting to play someone whose personality is completely different from hers.
“Roald Dah’s Willy Wonka Jr.” follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka/candy Man (Jasper Boyce) as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whoever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children – Violet Beauregarde, Mike Teavee (Taryn Foos), Augustus Gloop (Caleb Genereux) and Veruca Salt – are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable Grandpa Joe (Dylan Kaiser).
The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences.
This adaption of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale features enchanting songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of fun new songs.
“It has a good message in a fun way and really, who doesn’t like chocolate?” May said about the show — plus the music is fun, she added.
After leading the Kids Camp production for a number of years, May has really enjoyed watching the kids grow up, some of whom have been involved in production since they were 5 years old.
“They’re really good kids; they’ve come, they’ve listened. It’s amazing to see how well they work together. There’s so many new kids and they just kind of form together as this big little family,” May said.
The cast has been working very hard and hopes everyone will come to see their show and enjoy a few laughs, so all of their work isn’t for nothing.
Joining the above mentioned cast members are: Izamaya Guana as Grandma Georgina; Zaly Blecha as Mr. Bucket; Abby Visser as Mrs. Bucket; Makenna Rye as Matilda, Oompaa Loompa 2 and a Cook; Hayden Roth as James and a Candy Kid/oompa Loompa; Grace Cochran as Phineous Trout; Faith Cole as Mrs. Gloop; Lauralie (Link) Werner as Mr. Salt; Rylan Knorr as Mrs. Beauregarde; Stayci Blecha as Ms. Teavee; Daisy Schmidt as Oompa Loomapa 1 and a Cook; Natalie Hansen as Oompa Loompa 3 and a Cook; Emory Monheiser as Oompa Loompa 4 and a Cook; Rylee Cullip as Oompa Loompa 5 and a Cook; Eli Kaiser as a Squirrel and Candy Kid/oompa Loompa; Hollie Salazar as a Squirrel and Candy Kid/oompa Loompa; Royce Ramirez as a Squirrel and Candy Kid/ Oompa Loompa; Elliot Rye as a Squirrel and a Candy Kid/oompa Loompa; Angie Nicolaus as a Squirrel, a Snow Kid and a Candy Kid/ Oompa Loompa; Rebekah Moore as a Squirrel and a Candy Kid/oompa Loompa; Mary Mentzel, as a Cook; Emersyn Eurich as a Snow Kid and Candy Kid/ Oompa Loompa; Allie Kaiser as a Snow Kid and Candy Kid/oompa Loompa; Kahlie Richardson, as a Snow Kid, Candy Kid/oompa Loompa; Norah Schwindt as a Snow Kid and Candy Kid/oompa Loompa; Corryn Monhiser as a Snow Kid and Candy Kid/ Oompa Loompa; Audrey Montejano, as a Snow Kid; Heidi Wiswell, as a Candy Kid/oompa Loompa; Harper Dillenger as a Candy Kid/oompa Loompa; Zander Genereux as Candy Kid/oompa Loompa; Bridget Moos, as a Candy Kid/ Oompa Loompa; Addyson Duvall-young as a Candy Kid/oompa Loompa; Reni Blecha as a Candy Kid/ Oompa Loompa; Avery Duvall Young, as a Candy Kid/oompa Loompa; Marly Mentzel, as Candy Kid/ Oompa Loompa; Charlie Moore, as a Candy Kid/ Oompa Loompa; and Charlie Wright as a Candy Kid/ Oompa Loompa.
Helping out behind the scenes are: May, director and costumes; Annette Lambrecht, music director; Madison Trahern, director assistant, lights and costumes; Maeve Betzmer, kid assistant; Molly Mitchell, choreographer; Jacob Reyes, sound; Ryder May, lights and set; entire cast, set; and Janelle Nicolaus, snack mom.
SMP would like to give a special thanks to Knights of Columbus for rehearsal space, Sterling High School for performance space and Jaci Yula, for making the cast T-shirts.
Showtimes for “Willy Wonka Jr.” are 7 p.m. Friday, July 15, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, July 16 and 3 p.m. Sunday, July 17, in the SHS auditorium. Tickets are $5 a person and you can pay at the door.
Along with the Kids Camp, SMP has also started rehearsals for its upcoming community-friendly production of “Chicago,” which will hit the stage this fall. For more information on SMP and their upcoming shows, like their Facebook page.