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Sweet Success: La Junta Tiger Theatre Delivers a Captivating Performance of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr.
Description: Don't miss your chance to enter the chocolate factory with "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr.!" Come and enjoy these fabulous young actors in action February 27, 28, and March 1 @ 7:00 pm in the LJHS auditorium. Tickets are $10.00 and may be purchased at the door on performance nights beginning at 6:30 pm. Article and Photo by La Junta Jr/Sr High School Journalism Class.
Sweet Success: La Junta Tiger Theatre Delivers a Captivating Performance of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr.
Written by the La Junta Jr/Sr High School Journalism Class
In a must-see performance, a fabulous group of young actors from La Junta Junior/Senior High School hit the stage this weekend in the sweet treat of a musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr.!" The La Junta High School Journalism class, made up of Leticia DeHerrera, Sadie Hearington, Rose Simpson, Priceyiss Urban, Justyce Gallegos, Catherine Mondragon, Lexi McClure, and Kaitlyn Kinder, had the opportunity to experience this exciting production at the La Junta Junior/Senior High School Tiger Theatre on Wednesday, February 26.
Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR., based on the well-known book and later movies, follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever 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 are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory - or suffer the consequences.
The La Junta Tiger Theatre team as a whole has continued to get stronger and more cohesive...this production came together beautifully, with such incredible attention to even the smallest details. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience.
Andrew Benjamin as Willy Wonka and the Candy Man gave a strong performance throughout, from his opening song spotlighted from the back of the audience to the psychedelically weird boat scene. He also made his quick changes from Wonka to the Candy Man look effortless, especially since he was narrating the entire time! Benjamin's facial expressions throughout really make the character of Wonka. We will miss seeing this young actor as he moves on. Other senior standouts were Jackie Becerra, who absolutely captivated as Mrs. Gloop (we loved the German accent and the stereotypical German costume). Noah Nunez-Rebel as Grandpa Joe gave a performance filled with the gravitas combined with playful fun that really makes this character a great foil for young Charlie. Finally, senior Emiliano Hernandez as Mr. Salt was a hilarious "wheeler and dealer," trying everything he could to make his daughter Veruca happy.
Young actor Skylar Finkner took on a leading role as Charlie with dedication and stage presence, guiding us through his story. His nerves peeked through at times, but we know that he will only grow in confidence as he continues in the theatre.
Along with Charlie, the entire Bucket household alternately made us laugh and brought tears to our eyes. From Mr. Bucket's hilarious hard hat and the group of
grandparents squished into the tiny bed to the poignant "Cheer Up, Charlie," the Bucket family gave us a real sense of who Charlie was and where he came from.
One cannot give a proper review of "Willy Wonka" without mentioning the enormously cute and talented Oompa Loompa crew! Their choreography was so much fun!
From the first big group scene, this show was a visual feast! There was so much going on and so many bright colors and quick actions--it truly kept us entertained. We really enjoyed the use of the entire stage, with clear vibes coming from each section (the candy side was very bright and colorful, while the Buckets' home on the other side of the stage was drab). We felt that the boat scene was especially well done.
Overall, the sound and light effects were spot-on--we loved the factory sounds at the beginning and the burping most of all! The projections above were used to maximum effect to really help to suggest scene changes. Kudos to the stage crew, who managed all of the moving parts of this set and stage well.
Don't miss your chance to enter the chocolate factory with "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr.!" Come and enjoy these fabulous young actors in action February 27, 28, and March 1 @ 7:00 pm in the LJHS auditorium. Tickets are $10.00 and may be purchased at the door on performance nights beginning at 6:30 pm.
Watch the Cast Interview:
