A musical adaptation of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is coming soon to the Westside. The Westside Story Players includes more than 25 Westside keiki, ages 5 to 16 years old, and several local adults who have been learning
A musical adaptation of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is coming soon to the Westside.
The Westside Story Players includes more than 25 Westside keiki, ages 5 to 16 years old, and several local adults who have been learning songs, dances, (including tap) and their lines in the daily five-week drama workshop, under the direction of Kathie Waldman, according to a recent press release.
More than 35 percent of the actors are fully scholarshiped in this production. No one who wanted to be included in the program was turned away, Waldman states in the release.
The show is scheduled at the St. Theresa’s School theatre in the cafeteria in Kekaha. Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Three special golden tickets will be hidden in Wonka Bars for sale at intermission. Each will contain one full scholarship to the performing arts classes for the lucky winners. The scholarship can be passed on to keiki who are interested in attending classes next fall, the release states All proceeds from the Willy Wonka candy and bake sales will help insure future scholarshipss.
The classes will be held at Kekaha Neighborhood Center. Every class includes vocal, dance and drama warm-ups with new songs and dances added every week. A new teen class will be starting in the fall, called “Street Theatre.” This class will address teen issues and will include dramatic and improv games.
This is the third time she has directed this original adaptation of “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory,” but the first time on Kaua‘i. Many Westside businesses and individuals have pulled together and offered their assistance to pull this production together.
This original adaptation includes many funny and beautiful songs. Professional musician Alan Van Zee will be the accompanist for the show.
