JONESVILLE — Most people know the story of young Charlie Bucket and his desire to win a Golden Ticket from Willy Wonka. However, a new musical adaptation of the story promises a few new surprises.
“It is a very smart and extremely funny adaptation,” said Trinity Bird, executive director of The Sauk and the production’s director. “All the things you love are still there but there are some fun changes on the adventure.”
Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” features an original score composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (“Hairspray”) and a book by David Greig. The score also pays homage to the Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley score from the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including "Candy Man," "I've Got a Golden Ticket," "Oompa Loompa Song," and "Pure Imagination." The Sauk is one of the first theatre’s in the state to present this new version of the story.
The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka's army of curious Oompa-Loompas.
The Sauk’s production stars Morgan Francis as Willy Wonka, Ben Johnson as Charlie Bucket, Kris Johnson as Mrs. Bucket, Tom Davis as Grandpa Joe, Ezra Hutchinson as Augustas Gloop, Christina McKim as Mrs. Gloop, Emmy Ambrose as Veruca Salt, Jacob Weldon as Mr. Salt, Ava Kramer as Violet Beauregarde, Zach Husak as Mr. Beauregarde, Jacob Gray as Mike TeaVee, Gianna Green as Mrs. TeaVee, Sarah Gray as Mrs. Green, Ellie Gray as Cherry and Theo Davis as Jerry. The cast also includes Travis Blatchley, Brian Comiskey, Bruce Crew, Mary Davis, Aaron Guest, Alex Guest, Elizabeth Guest, Jacob Isiminger, Aaron Johnson, Sarah Kilgore and Kaylee McCoy.
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The production is directed by Bird with musical direction by Kristi Gautsche and choreography by Sarah Kilgore. Gay Shaw is vocal coach and Mandee Leigh Howard is stage manager. The design team includes Bird (set), Patty Spence (costumes), Tracy McCullough (lighting), Tim Ambrose (sound) and Joella Hendrickson (properties). The production also features a live orchestra of 11 players conducted by Gautsche.
Performances are July 25-27 and August 1-3 at 8 p.m. with 3 p.m. matinees on July 28 and August 4. All performances are at the Sauk Theatre, 240 E. Chicago St., Jonesville, MI 49250. Tickets are available at www.thesauk.org or by calling 517-849-9100.
This production is sponsored by County National Bank. The 2024 Sauk Orchestra sponsor is Moore Insurance Services, Inc. The 2024 season is sponsored by Joyous Journey Photography, WCSR Radio Hillsdale, 99-5 The Dale, Simply Hers Magazine and McGraw Publications. The Sauk is supported by the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
— Contact Reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @cmurrayHDN.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: The Sauk's ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ musical adaptation promises new surprises
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