"Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" Starts Nov. 15

DAYTON-Whimsical costumes, confectionary props and a 70s vibe will captivate the audience that turns out to see the Touchet Valley Arts Council's 18th-annual fall musical production of "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka," which will debut at the Liberty Theater on Nov. 15.

The show is based on the book, "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," by Roald Dahl, and tells the story of the enigmatic Willy Wonka, who stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five candy bars made in his candy factory. The prize for the five who find the tickets is a free tour of the factory, and a lifetime supply of candy.

With the exception of Charlie Bucket, played by Lila Hutchens in this production, the winners are all insufferable brats. The action builds when the winners begin their tour of the Wonka factory, and the consequences for not following Wonka's rules.

"Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" is directed by Liberty Theater stage veteran Brenda Henderson, who has been involved on stage as an actor, choreographer, or as the director or co-director, since 2003.

Elizabeth Arabelos-Jagelski, the Production Chair and President of TVAC, is quick to credit Henderson for stepping up, especially after last year's arduous production "Anna and the King of Siam".

She also recognizes George Gagnon and "the guys" who are building all the sets and props, the stage crew Louie Gagnon and Allen Huwe, lighting director Terran Villaro, scenery artist Laurie Nichols, pianist Jim Thorn, who has been part of the orchestra and accompaniment for many years, and Mary Luce for costume design, along with choreographers Patti Jo Amerein, Cindy Philbrook, and Tracy Barron.

"We're so honored to get them to step up and do that," Arabelos-Jagelski said.

It seems fair to say TVAC productions are supported in some way by most of the community. This year's cast and crew number 70.

"We're the same group working together," said Arabelos-Jagelski.

The team operates much the same way as a family does, she said. The older actors, like Chuck Reeves and Jack McCaw, pitch in to help the youngest.

Two families, the Zangers and the Calverts, and Dustin and Mariah Harter are traveling from the Walla Walla Valley, to participate in the production, which represents a huge time commitment on their part, said Arabelos-Jagelski.

Sean Calvert plays the part of Willy Wonka/Candy Man, and Dustin Harter is the head Oompa-Loompa, she said.

We think big. We're on a really good wave," Arabelos-Jagelski said about TVAC productions, in general.

Henderson agrees. "I love the team building aspect. We're always growing," she said. "I'd like to thank the community for supporting us, all the volunteers, and the audience. We couldn't do this without them," Henderson added.

"Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" will begin its 13-performance run on Nov. 15 and run through Dec. 8.

On Family Night (Nov. 15) and Encore Family Night (Dec. 6), tickets are specially priced at $10. Tickets may be purchased online at libertytheater.org, or at the Liberty Theater box office, by calling (509) 382-1380. Door sales on the date of specific shows will be available on a first-come first-served basis.