Leslie Briscuss & Tim McDonald’s adaptation of the classic story is a fast paced, fun, colorful play full of lively music ~ and~ it is all about candy. That makes it kid-friendly summer fun to me! The updates include “1-800″ and “dot com” references as well as computer games and cell phones, but you won’t be disappointed with the classic Candy Man song.

The 25 Oompa Loompas fill the stage and are delightful in their costumes designed by Maclain Proctor, one of the Oompa Loompas. The simple design is brought to life in its color variations and vibrancy. You can’t miss an Oompa or a Loompa on stage!

Directed by Amy Scott, the 40 members of the Wonka cast entertain with their musical and acting talents as they present an escape from our everyday trials and troubles. You can’t help but smile as Willy Wonka and the 5 golden ticket winners lead you through the candy factory maze in a test of character with honesty winning in the end. There is much laughter along the way including such times as the Burping Song, as well as when the “bad” kids get what they seemingly deserve and cheering when Charlie Thinks Positive until the end.

Described as “professionally produced community theater”, the all volunteer cast is assisted by even more volunteers; it takes extra help to coral the children between their scenes while getting them on stage at the proper time. While many of the cast members in Renaissance productions are related, making this theater truly family friendly, some of the moms and dads lend their hands with costuming, kid wrangling or whatever Ms. Scott and the cast may need to produce the show.

“As long as people keep coming, we must be doing something right” Amy Scott declared as she enthusiastically told me about the dedication of the cast. Christian Redden missed Boy Scout camp in order to rehearse for the play. It is apparent that the children on stage WANT to be there and are enjoying what they are doing. Likewise, the theater is filling up with children as well as adults anticipating another great play because of the reputation the Renaissance Players have built.

Ms. Scotts is passionate about her cast and crew, which prompted me to ask how she finds her talent. Amazingly, they come from open auditions at the Renaissance Center which brings people in from not only Dickson, but Nashville and surrounding areas as well. I asked Ms Scott if she has had to deal with difficult “stage parents”, and because the auditions and rehearsals are “closed” ( parents wait and watch from the green room), she hasn’t had much trouble at all.

Catch the performances of Matt Romine as Willy Wonka, Yeal Mead as Charlie Bucket, Shane Kopischke as Augutus Gloop, M’Kenzy Cannon as Varuca Salt , Kaila Wooten as Violet Beauregarde and Christian Redden as Mike Teavee before they move on to professional projects elsewhere as have many of the Renaissance alumni .

Tightening their belts at the Renaissance Center included new creative ways of financing, therefore, this performance was sponsored by Performance Studios as well as The Center for Dental Excellence. Do not miss the irony of the Dentist sponsoring the play about the candy factory!

If you are tying to decide how to spend your entertainment dollars, why not go see Willy Wonka? The show runs June 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th at 7pm and June 21st and 28th at 2pm. There is a discount coupon for $5.00 off any performance on their web site www.rcenter.org. Show times and ticket information are posted there as well.

Stimulate the economy by supporting our local arts center while having a good time!

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The Renaissance Players present Willy Wonka (TYA), June 19th-28th at The Renaissance Center’s Performance Hall.

Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, featuring the magical songs from the classic family film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Costume designer Amy Scott offered a contest to the children actors on set to see who could design the best Oompa Loompa costume. After many great and creative entries the landslide winner was Maclain Proctor. Now Maclain’s drawing will be used as the design for all the Oompa Loompas.

The show runs June 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th at 7pm and June 21st and 28th at 2pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $8 for children. June 20th we will hold a special matinee and lunch. Lunch is served at noon with the show starting at 1pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $18 for children.

The Renaissance Players shows are cast through open auditions and provide Middle Tennesseans the opportunity to work with professional directors, actors, technicians and craftsmen to present productions comparable to professional theatre companies.

- by The Renaissance Center