The El Toro drama department’s production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” was a decent musical. The department has been well known for student actors that surpass the expectations of any other high school production, and this production is no exception.
The play is a mixture of the book by Roald Dahl and both movies based on the book taking a mixture of the best of all three and adding some pop culture references. The combination of all those pieces create an entirely different experience that leave you wanting to see it again.
Choreographer Julia Walker, 18, created very intricate and sophisticated dance routines for the production that tied in to the story line of the production. “I would try to decide what I wanted the dance to look like, then I would try a million different things to accomplish that vision.” The moves were most excellent and the actors portrayed their characters well.
Raymond Montoya, 17, portrayed Charlie, the leading role of the performance. Montoya performed very well in the show along with co-star Andrew Guzman, 18, who plays the Mysterious Willy Wonka. The cast choice was very good. Most cast members had a wide range of vocals, however, other cast members did not have completely developed vocals.
Although some of the cast may not be fully developed (that is to be expected for a high school production) the stage crew has more to be said about. Transitions were slow, and some of the interludes needed to be played twice. On the bright side, some stage effects looked swell. Violet Beauregarde, played by Kayla Green, literally blew up like a balloon. One stage effect that was not so effective was the flying scene. Charlie, Montoya, and Grandpa Joe, Derek Hedbany, did not look as though they were floating, but rather being lifted. However, a safe pulley system is not in a High School’s funding.
Besides minor stage issues, the performance was excellent. The students have put a great effort into the show and the results were fantastic. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” will be playing at the El Toro High School in Charger Hall from April 6 to April 9. Tickets range from $12 to $14 and are on sale now. Get your ticket before you miss it.
-Simply Complicated
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