OUTLOOK - Hundreds of people over the course of four shows may have witnessed their favorite Equinox Theatre production in some time when the theatre group put on their latest performance piece, Roald Dahl's 'Willy Wonka' at the Outlook Civic Centre.
Hosted from November 16-19, the show featured a cavalcade of performers, running the gamut of ages and feeling like one of the most inclusive shows put on by the local theatre troupe in some time.
The story, as most know, involves young Charlie Bucket (Nicholas Turton) on his quest to find the elusive candy bar that features a golden ticket, granting him access to Willy Wonka's candy factory. When he finally does find one, he's ecstatic and he can't wait to go on the fabled tour, taking his grandpa Joe (Phil Guebert) with him.
As for Wonka himself? Jordan Davies, a relatively new performer with Equinox, just envelopes the role perfectly with a little bit of tongue-in-cheek swagger and picture-perfect mannerisms. But Davies isn't the only one to love here. Turton as Charlie is the perfect choice to take on the role, as you found yourself cheering him on as he searches for that elusive golden ticket. Kevin Guebert and Kristy Ledene-Johnson as Charlie's parents were the devoted caregivers who you hope will find prosperity soon, as they take care of all the grandparents in the home, played to perfection by Maureen Weiterman, Heather Peardon, Floyd Childerhose, and the aforementioned Guebert.
But the sizable cast features other favorable gems among its players. Justin Turton as the always-hungry Augustus Gloop is comedic gold, as is his mother Mrs. Gloop, played by Jossalyn Ziegler. The candy man, played by Delwyn Luedtke, is the pivotal player who launches this whole story into motion, and Philomena Trout, played by Stephanie Guebert, does her best to capture everything as it happens.
The rest of the cast captured their roles to a T, which included Ava Smith as the bratty, demanding Veruca Salt and Morgan Dingle as her mother Mrs. Salt, trying to show the world - and Mr. Wonka - how important she is in her own industry. As the gum-loving Violet Beauregarde, Annika Friggstad showed impressive range as her mother, played by Amber Turton, did her best to keep the chaos reigned in. Jonah Turton, playing the tech-loving Mike Teavee, served as the kind of cocky kid who you don't feel sorry for at all when he turns into a four-inch version of himself, while his mom, played by Shelley Luedtke, has fun with the role and does her best to try and find a reason why her son is now, well, pocket-sized.
And who can forget the Oompa Loompas? Abby Calvin, Paxton Calvin, Julianna Friggstad, Ella Hopkins, Elly Clara Johnson, Karl LeBlanc, Melissa Theoret, Ryan Wall, Emily Wall, and Jorah Ziegler are the embodiment of all things Wonka, right down to the wardrobe and dancing patterns. As well, kids and squirrels played by Marek Ball, Aria Dingle, Sydney Erickson, Nora Johnson, Arial King, Oscar LeBlanc, and Izzy Theoret add some cute moments to the overall presentation, helping the story along.
With a long list of characters and players, it was impressive that each of them were given a moment to shine, helping them to stand out in the story. Perhaps just as impressive were the costumes and set pieces that helped add realism to the story, bringing audiences members in to what's happening in front of them.
'Willy Wonka', with its four sold-out shows, was one of those plays that will undoubtedly serve as a landmark production in the 28 years that Equinox Theatre has been hosting performances in Outlook.
