It’s not all scrumdidilyumptious.
It’s a lot of nerve-wracking-work-while-being-fun, too.
Hannibal High School students are auditioning for 23 parts in the production of “Willy Wonka” Nov. 11 to 13.
The classic musical adaptation of the 1964 Roald Dahl book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is one of the most elaborate productions the school has attempted, and promises to be a carnival for the senses.
There’s intrigue and irony.
There’s repugnance and repentance.
It’s the seven deadly sins -- wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy and gluttony – set to tunes such as “Pure Imagination” and “Everlasting Gobstoppers.” “
Oh, don’t forget the Oompa Loompas.
And if you think musical theater is a genre that can no longer capture the enthusiasm of kids who are more familiar with Professor Griff than Professor Higgins, then the Oompas have got another story for you.
“It’s an experience like no other,” said “Wonka” director Meghan Pieper, a vocal music teacher at the school. “You just don’t know how much fun it is until you get involved. It’s something that can’t be duplicated by anything else.”
Two-way song
Familiarity breeds contempt, but it also can pack an auditorium.
The planning for “Wonka” began last May, when Pieper was trying to decide how to light the same kind of fire that had sparked the warm audience reception for the school’s song and dance extravaganza “Footloose” the previous fall.
Such selections can be tough, even though just about every musical features an ensemble cast.
Pieper relied on a theater maxim that a good director fits the show to her actors and actresses. “Wonka” seemed like a natural fit for young performers.
“You pick something that would fit them well,” she said. “There are so many kids who have so many talents. This is a good way to show those talents to the community.”
Another factor was that “Wonka” is a proven commodity. The book spawned movies in 1971 and 2005. The earlier version featured the title character using the word “scrumdidilyumptious” and the latter offered a more eccentric portrayal.
For those who don’t know the story, however, the plot revolves around a poor kid named Charlie Bucket who joins four spoiled rich children on a tour of the mysterious Wonka chocolate factory.
In the end, the retiring Wonka reveals that he’s willing the plant to Charlie as a gift because of his strong character, even though he, like everyone, has a few flaws.
And while there are dark elements, “Wonka” does what any good story does and masks the moral themes with humor.
“This is a very popular one,” Pieper said. “There are so many parts for so many kids of different levels and different experiences.”
Patrick Smith, a junior, has been acting since grade school. He watched Johnny Depp’s brooding Wonka and Gene Wilder’s lighter character before seeking the coveted part for the Hannibal production. He found elements he liked in both.
“It’s still a lovable character,” Smith said.
Finding their voices
Project and pronunciate.
They’re two traits that all thespians need, but few can master.
At the beginning of the audition, even experienced actors and actresses have trouble getting out the correct version of the Brazilian city “Sao Paulo.”
A passage that calls for use of a German accent draws chuckles and giggles as the lines are mixed like a bad sauerbraten.
Most of the kids read for several parts.
“I want to keep my options open,” explains sophomore Hannah Adkison, who hopes for a career in music. “I don’t want to get something I don’t want because I only auditioned for one role.”
Sarrah Diamond, a freshman, reads for the venomous Veruca Salt and vitriolic Violet Beauregarde.
“I know I can do both,” Diamond said. “I can be snooty like Veruca and very bratty like Violet.”
So, how much does she draw upon real life for the role? Uh, maybe that question should not have been asked.
“My mean side, you don’t want to see,” Diamond said with a devilish smile.
Appearances, indeed, can be deceiving.
Take Jocelyn Akridge. “Shy” would not be a word people who know her would use in describing the high-strung freshman. But she does admit to being afflicted by coyness from time to time, and “Wonka” is an antidote.
“It’s really fun to conquer fears of getting on stage,” Akridge said. “When I sing in front of people, I don’t know my knees shake. I get over it.”
For others, the bright lights and waxed wooden floors are like a second home.
Smith and senior Nathan Blackburn draw guffaws and claps as they take turns talking as old men for the part of Grandpa Joe, who accompanies Charlie on his adventure.
“I just like singing and acting,” Blackburn explains. “It’s something I’ve always liked doing.”
Hard work ahead
Blackburn had also better like using his hands, because he and the cast are going to be busy in the weeks ahead.
Not only will they rehearse three nights a week for the next two months, but the kids also will help with set construction, publicity and other chores.
Pieper found plans that will be used in making the sets. Parents and other volunteers are being lined up to put the backdrops together and make costumes.
By the time it’s all said and done, more than 60 people will have been involved.
Show choreographer Jennifer Benson, a high school guidance counselor, has directed and plotted productions in Monroe City, and she put together the complex dance routines for “Footloose.”
The prospect of a large and colorful set puts all kinds of creative ideas into her head.
“We have so many good dancers that we’re going to work in,” Benson said. “It will be interesting to see how we work that on stage. It’ll be exciting.”
Pieper knows everything will pan out, and she draws her confidence from the exuberant attitude of students.
“This is the cream of the crop,” she said. “They’re really smart kids.”
Curtain call
Alas, there may not be a part for everyone.
Even with so many characters, some of those who tried out may not be cast.
“There are some kids who will be happy and some kids who will be disappointed,” Pieper acknowledged.
Of course, there are always behind-the-scenes roles.
Then again, there are the Oompa Loompas.
“We definitely will have Oompa Loompas,” Pieper said. “The jury is out on what the costumes will look like.”
Oompa mania apparently has spread through the halls of Hannibal High.
A few faculty members have said they’d be willing to volunteer. Pieper protected the guilty by not offering names, but admitted that the sight of teachers taking the part of the tiny, musical moralists “would be quite funny.”
The final cast list will be posted Friday, and rehearsals start next Tuesday.
No matter how things turn out, sophomore Daquasia Dawson and senior Logan Quinn were just glad to have had the opportunity.
And beyond the sugary coating of “Wonka,” they are honing an ability to work hard, meet commitments and break down barriers that will last long after the bows are taken.
“It’s a chance for many kids in high school who don’t get involved in sports to show off their talents,” Dawson said. “There’s a lot of stereotypes in high school, but everybody comes together when you do a musical because you’re singing, dancing and performing.”
“You meet a whole bunch of new people and you make a lot of friends,” Quinn added. “It’s like one big family. At the end of the day, we know we have to make something great for the audience. I think that’s what keeps us going.”
