Front: Henry Smith as Charlie Bucket. Second row (from left to right): Abigail Jones as Mrs. Bucket, Dan Gray as Grandpa Joe, Claudia Volano as Grandma Josephine, Chris McVey as Grandpa George, and Ma
This summer Theatre Bristol is “mixing it with love and making the world taste good” by presenting “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory” weekends July 18-27 at Paramount Center for the Arts, Bristol, Tennessee. Tickets are on sale at ParamountBristol.org.
This beloved, surreal musical has transcended generations, from children to grandparents — both on and off stage. Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is a mysterious and unconventional lesson-filled experience.
Award-winning composers Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley’s original songs from the motion picture are the cornerstone of this stage production with book and score of Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel by David Greig, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Some of the memorable songs from the musical include “Candy Man,” “Pure Imagination” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket.”
Indulge yourself with a sweet experience and be enchanted by “The Candy Man” himself, Willy Wonka, played by Tyler Bishop; the ever-optimistic Charlie Bucket played by Henry Smith; his devoted mother, played by Abigail Jones; and a bed full of grandparents including Dan Gray as Grandpa Joe, Claudia Volano as Grandma Josephine, Chris McVey as Grandpa George and Martha Hawk as Grandma Georgina.
The “lucky” children from around the world include Violet Beauregarde played by Marleina Turner; Veruca Salt by Kate Zeiler; Mike Teavee by Zaiah Gray; and Augustus Gloop by Blake Jones; and their respective parents, Mr. Beauregarde played by Seth Gilstrap; Mr. Salt by Ryan Gray’; Mrs. Teavee by Jacci Wallace; and Mrs. Gloop by Susan McNabb.
In a community in the shadow of a great chocolate factory are Mrs. Green played by Danielle Gotha, Jerry by Michael Trotter-Lawson and Cherry by Annie Barranco, along with Oompa-Loompas, Gum-Chompin’ Divas, reporters and photographers, giant squirrels, and a bunch of kiddles played by Baleigh McKeehan, Harper Slaughter, Allyson Gutierrez, Richard Albright, Jim Altman, Christina Dalton, Tabetha Davis, Abe Filetti, Bentley Forinash, Amber Hall, Melissa Hilt, Cooper Knapp, Ashtyn Lockhart, Koty Peak, Deklan Thomas, Morgan Whitaker, Avery White, Philip Wright, Katie Collea, Landon Freeman, Jayonna Green, Ellovey Griffin, Bryn Hall, Kiera Leonard, Abigail Smith, Quillan Smith, Rosie Smith, and Breckin Wallace.
Directing and choreographing the classic favorite is Theatre Bristol veteran director, Camille Gray. Gray is supported by music director Susan McNabb, stage manager Nicole Intagliata, assistant music director Philip Wright, scenic designer Luke Gray, special effects designer Albert Tester, props artisan Rebecca Ryan and sound designer Jessica Gamble. Dance captain is Morgan Whitaker, other crew includes assistant costumer Adriel Slaughter, fly master Temmy Roberts, ASMs Ann Vance and Terra White, rehearsal ASM Paige Wingard, music operator Bethaney Hilt, lightboard operator Susan Zeiler, runners Mason White and Reece Hilt, as well as a full team of carpenters, stitchers, technicians and artisans.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” opens July 18 and runs for two weekends at Paramount Center for the Performing Arts, Bristol, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults, and $12 for students and seniors, plus processing fees. Reservations may be made at ParamountBristol.org/chocolate.
For more information, visit the Theatre Bristol’s website or Facebook page, contact Theatre Bristol at 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org.
