Curtain Call

'Willy Wonka,' 'Dreamgirls.' 'Once Upon America' open this week

Posted

You don’t need a golden ticket andyou certainly don’t need to be an Oompa Loompa to sample the many flavors ofthe strange and musical world of Willy Wonka. 

The East Lansing High School Centerfor the Performing Arts is offering everyone a chance to meet the Candy Manhimself when the curtain rises on “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” Friday.

Created by children’s literaturelegend Roald Dahl, “Willy Wonka” tells the story of young Charlie’s adventureinside the mysterious factory of the eccentric title character.  The 1971film adaptation starred Gene Wilder as Wonka and has enchanted audiences youngand old alike with such classic showstoppers as “Pure Imagination” and, ofcourse, “The Candy Man.”

For East Lansing High School TheatreDirector Mark Shaheen, staging a musical featuring a chocolate river and characterssoaring above the stage has been a challenge.

“There’s so much going on, it’sreally fascinating,” Shaheen said.  “Between the effects and thechoreography and the singing, it’s really a huge effort on all levels.”

Noah Last plays Wonka and NathanHoshal plays Charlie. Technical director Paul Bourne is overseeing theambitious visuals, which include video projections created by students.

“It’s very familiar and veryfamily-friendly,” Shaheen said.  “We’ve all learned so much.”

“Willy Wonka and the ChocolateFactory”
East Lansing High School Center forthe Performing Arts
509 Burcham Dr., East Lansing.
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m; Wednesday, March 23 at 7 p.m.
Through March 27
$10 adults; $5 students; Wednesdaytickets all $5
(517) 333-7490

"Dreamgirls"

The musical “Dreamgirls” may havepremiered 30 years ago and depict a 1960s-era group but, according to directorDaryl Thompson, it’s a story that never goes out of style. “It’s timeless — it’s about youngfriends getting together to pursue their dreams,” he said.

Thompson is at the helm of theEverett High School Visual & Performing Arts Magnet Academy’s newproduction, opening Wednesday.

“Dreamgirls” tells the story of R&B trio The Dreams asthey find success, even as the group is torn apart by the challenges posed bythe music industry.  The show, inspired by the real-life saga of DianaRoss and the Supremes and Motown Records,  won the Tony award for best musicalin 1982. In 2006, it was adapted for the screen and netted Jennifer Hudson abest supporting actress Oscar as fan-favorite Effie. Effie’s signature number“And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going” is regarded as the play’s showstopper andhas been recorded by numerous artists.

Thompson credits his “fantastic cast”with injecting life into the classic story. They’re awesome – excellent singersand actors,” he said.  “They’re really pouring their hearts into it.”

“Dreamgirls” stars Amber Love, SierraWilloughby, Ashlee Smith, Sineh Wurie, Mickale Nelson, Michael Rose, BrandonTelfor and Jamilia Johnson.

“Dreamgirls”
Everett High School Department ofTheatre
3900 Stabler St., Lansing
7 p.m. March 16-18
$5
(517) 755-4444

“Once Upon America” and “The Boy WhoCried Bully”

It’s two for the price of one at theMid Michigan Famiy Theatre this weekend as it offers up a pair of one-act plays.“Once Upon America”, a historical drama, and “The Boy Who Cried Bully,” anupdated take on an Aesop’s fable, debut Friday.

“America” follows a trio of immigrants at early 1900s EllisIsland, while “Bully” depicts a couple of modern-day kids dealing with bullieson their school playground.

“Once Upon America” and “The Boy WhoCried Bully”
Mid Michigan Family Theatre
440 Frandor Ave., Lansing
7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m.Sundays, through March 27
$6 students and adults, $4 pre-schoolages

(517) 339-2145

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here




Connect with us