Mansfield High School’s Theater will kick off the school year with its fall play “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” At the forefront of the cast is senior Tony Trieu as Willy Wonka and junior Aiden Worobey as Charlie Bucket.
“My favorite part of the whole production was essentially having a one-man show,” Trieu said. “I loved being able to grow as an actor and as a person. I’m really proud of everyone who worked with me.”
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was published in 1964 as a children’s book by Roald Dahl. Since its creation, the work saw film adaptations in 1971 with Gene Wilder and in 2005 with Johnny Depp. In the story, Charlie Bucket lives in immense poverty with his family until he discovers one of five Golden Tickets in a Wonka Bar, which allows him to go on a private tour of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory with his Grandpa Joe. The other tickets are found by four unique children: the obese and greedy Augustus Gloop, the spoiled and affluent Veruca Salt, the gum-chewing and overly-demanding Violet Beauregarde, and the TV-addicted Mike Teevee. They encounter an extensive cast of characters while at the factory, namely the Oompa Loompas that maintain its operations. As the day progresses, the kids’ actions and personalities bring about their downfall until Charlie learns the real reason for the tour.
Admittedly, the last campus production I saw was Chicago almost three years ago. But any expectations I could’ve had beforehand were completely shattered by this performance. Specifically, I enjoyed the inclusion of three narrators, as they provided vital context by introducing Wonka and the four other ticket winners. All of this helps to ease the audience into the heart of the story.
The casting decisions felt absolutely perfect for this performance. From Veruca’s pampered tantrums that quite literally startle the audience to Augustus’ gluttonous complaints accompanied by his German accent, nearly every aspect of the story seems to come to life through the talented students chosen to fill the roles. If you ask me, this show’s Willy Wonka embodies the best elements of Gene Wilder, Johnny Depp and Timothée Chalamet’s interpretation of the character.
Although not every performance is perfect, I find myself nitpicking things to critique. With this, I only wish that they would’ve included the scene where Charlie and Grandpa Joe wander off and drink Wonka’s Fizzy Lifting Drinks, but some adjustments are bound to happen in a theater adaptation. With that being said, the performance still flows well without this scene.
Overall, this was an incredible show, and I can confidently say the dedication, practice, and perseverance of everyone involved have paid off. It’s clear that all who performed, worked on the set, designed costumes, and managed the production brought their “A-game” to the table.
Be sure to check out Mansfield’s production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Thursday and Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. at the Mansfield High School PAC. Tickets cost $5 when purchased beforehand in L2 and L3 and $8 at the door. They will only accept cash or checks.
