Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Though there have been several movie versions of the above beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl, nothing can compare with the live theatrical version I participated in on April 18 to May 5, 1991 at The Columbus Junior Theater in downtown Columbus, OH. I portrayed two minor (but crucial) roles.

This novel deals with the winners of five golden tickets (Charlie Bucket, Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde, Veruca Salt,  and Mike Teavee), and their visit to Willy Wonka’s world famous chocolate factory and his workers, the Oompa Loompas.

My minor role as Mr. Bucket began the show. Mr. Bucket (along with his entire family were dirt poor. He’d been beaten down by life, and was having difficulty providing for his family. The thrift store suit I wore fit, but was too short.

My second minor role was as one of the factory workers known as Oompa Loompas.  In this theatrical production, we pretended to be various machines, sang, and danced when entertaining comic relief was needed. If you thought Oompa Loompas were short, you’ve not lived until you’ve viewed a 6’2” one in a lime green clown wig, a colorful paint-splattered jump suit (over a long sleeved shirt), and a silver hard hat.

Regardless of the many newspapers that review us, Kim Byrd of Deer Run Elementary said this about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. “I have to tell you how much we all enjoyed your play. Not only was it an outstanding performance, but it was a great experience for the children.  We know you spent endless hours preparing for the play, and it truly showed! Thank you again for allowing us to be your audience on “Opening Night”!

As twenty seven year old, I’ll never forget the experience of working together with a group of people to produce something (over and over again) that made an audience happy for a brief period of time. Isn’t life all about encouraging others (along the way) as you take your own journey?

The attached picture collage has me sitting in a chair as Mr. Bucket. On the picture below, the Oompa Loompas are in the middle of a song/dance routine. I am the tall Oompa Loompa up front with the lime green hair.