Cappies Review: Roald Dahl's 'Willy Wonka' At Centreville High School

By Yashavi Upasani of Fairfax High School

There truly is no life that can compare with the "Pure Imagination" Centreville High School's theatre company created in "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka." Bringing to life the magical world of the beloved children's novel, this incredible cast and crew transformed their audience's preconceived notions of mysticism into something far beyond their wildest dreams.

In 1964 acclaimed American author Roald Dahl published "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," a story following the young, and poor, Charlie Bucket who gets the opportunity to tour the mysterious and wondrous chocolate factory run by none other than esteemed chocolatier Willy Wonka. Decades later, the book was transformed into the musical "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" where it spread the maniacal nature of Willy Wonka, Charlie's budding youth, and the other four winners' spoiled demeanor to audiences worldwide.

Alexander Cox came alive on stage as Willy Wonka, beautifully portraying both the darker and lighter sides of the character and maintaining a strong sense of identity throughout it. With subtle eye rolls to the demands of the particularly indulgent children, to the wonder-filled shine in his eyes, Cox never let the audience forget that he was the renowned chocolatier who had planned out this seemingly normal day of fun to fulfill his legacy. Madelyn Regan outstandingly embraced the childish, bright nature of Charlie Bucket through a constant wide smile and enough positivity to make even the most pessimistic person laugh. Hitting the highest notes with perfect clarity on songs like "Think Positive!" Regan displayed the youthful glow of Charlie without masking his wit and intelligence.

However, Willy Wonka's and Charlie's distinctive essences are only brought out by the very talented cast alongside them. Katie Wood, playing the fabulously spoiled Veruca Salt, utilized Salt's bratty attitude and exaggerated expressions to make the audience laugh as well as loathe the overly biting character. With her arms crossed over her chest, an annoyed look on her face, and screams so high it would make any parent get their wallet out, Wood incorporated aspects of Salt's being to any situation, regardless of whether the cameras were on her or not. Gabriel Amiryar, playing Augustus Gloop, masked himself with a German accent to terrifically show Augustus' hedonistic actions, jumping around with glee and always looking for more chocolate.

To take the audience even further into the extraordinary world, Centreville's production constructed the boat that took the characters down the chocolate river, using darker, swirling light to reflect the unsteady beat of the boat. Additionally, the bright colors flashing throughout the performance, headed by Ronnie Sanders and Elisabeth Stuebner, enhanced the magic of the musical and elevated the actors' already dramatic features.

It's no struggle to understand why the classic children's story from several decades ago is still a show that people fawn and gush over. But it takes a truly stellar cast to bring to life not only the illusion of a wonky chocolate factory but add new components that transport the story into the modern century without compromising its historic roots. And with complete certainty, it's clear that Centreville High School's production of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka does just that.

" Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" was performed at Centreville High School on April 22 and 23.