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Willy Wonka - Another iconic musical for OHP

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Here’s a photo from an opening scene in the upcoming production of “Willy Wonka.” Pictured above are, left to right: Mrs. Bucket (Gayle Moore), Mr. Bucket (Rob Medberry), Charlie Bucket (Alivia Keppler), Grandpa Joe (Mark Yackel-Juleen), Grandma Josephine (Donna Anderson), Grandma Georgina (Janet Ott), and Grandpa George (Clark Ott).

By Pam Reinig

Register Editor

 

When the Opera House Players announced “Willy Wonka” as their fall production, the question most often put to co-director Cheri Moser was whether they’d stage the “Gene Wilder version” or the “Johnny Depp version” of the show.

“Of course, I didn’t even hesitate before answering, ‘Gene Wilder!’ After all, he was the original and no one, not even Johnny Depp, could play that role like he did,” Cheri said. 

Wilder died August 29, which has added a note of poignancy to the OHP production.

“We plan to dedicate our performances to him,” Cheri added. “Now the pressure is on to put on the best show (possible) because just hearing the title ‘Willy Wonka’ will likely spark thoughts of Gene Wilder.”

The production, which features more than a dozen dance numbers, several set changes and numerous special effects, is so grand that two directors are needed to bring it to the stage. Cheri is sharing duties with her husband and OHP veteran Jonathon Moser. 

“We knew that this one needed two people to focus on the big picture,” Cheri explained. “Right now, that means that I’m focusing on the blocking, choreography, and character development. Jonathon is spending almost all of his time on set design—figuring out set changes, special effects, lightning, and props.”

Cheri also gives a hat tip to producer Kay Moser and assistant director/stage manager Nika Tipsword, whose own acting background is proving invaluable to younger cast members. 

“She pulls the actors aside to give them little tips and tricks to improve,” Cheri said. “It takes a village!”

“Willy Wonka: The Musical” follows the basic plot of the 1971 film. The stage production has a cast of 21 students and 13 adults. Four main characters are new to the Opera House stage and five more in the cast have been involved with the OHP but have never before been on stage.

Every role is essential to the success of the show but Cheri admits that the youngsters will be the real stars of the production.

“I have been telling the kids from the beginning that they are a huge part of this show,” Cheri continued, “and as we rehearse, I believe they are seeing exactly what I mean! The kids alone have learned a combined 11 dance numbers—and they have to sing, too! They have all been fantastic to work with because they are so eager to learn everything. Jonathon and I both grew up as OHP theater kids, so our favorite part is watching and knowing there are friendships being built that could last a lifetime.”

As a preview of what patrons might expect, Cheri shared some of the special effects that have kept Jonathon (and others) busy behind-the-scenes.

“I’m really excited about the overall spectacle that our audience will be experiencing,” Cheri said. “This show has lighting effects, a huge number of set changes, snow, fog, dance, and more. If you know the movie, you know that our Violet (Kalie Jaster) has to blow up into a blueberry, our Augustus (Max Koeller) has to shoot through a chocolate pipe, our Veruca (Brenna Buckman) has to fall into a chute, and our Mike Teavee (Abby Schellhorn) has to miniaturize. And even more exciting—our Charlie Bucket (Alivia Keppler) and Grandpa Joe (Mark Yackel-Juleen) will be flying into the sky after they drink the fizzy lifting drink. And Willy Wonka himself (Shawn Zeeh) will take one lucky ticket winner for a ride, flying in the Wonkavator, as the tour of the chocolate factory ends!  So much to see!”

“Willy Wonka: The Musical” opens September 29th at the historic Elkader Opera House. For performance dates and times, as well as ticket information, contact the Opera House at 563-245-2098.

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