Roald Dahl classic gets Brandon twist

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This article was published 05/12/2024 (516 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It has upbeat music. It has humour, including some the shade of really dark chocolate. It has dance. And it has Oompa Loompas and lots of candy!

Students from École secondaire Neelin High School are back with a new musical performance in what has become an annual holiday tradition in Brandon.

This year, 50 students from the school (from Grades 9-12) will perform in a holiday revival of the Roald Dahl classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” with a contemporary twist. The show’s 25-strong production team includes school staff, parents and community members who have volunteered their time to create a memorable show — the first of its kind, according to producer and choreographer Kristen Yuel.

The team behind the show also worked hard to add a contemporary feel to the performance.

“It has more upbeat music, lots of humour and is a delight for all ages,” said Yuel, adding that the audience can expect to see more modern costuming, “but traditional Oompa Loompas with (their) little bit of deviousness.”

Directed by Melissa Martin, the show’s cast of students has extensive dance training, with their performance improved further by a lilting musical score by music director Marla Fontaine and orchestra director Sherri Thom.

Matinée performances will begin tonight and Friday (Dec. 5 and 6) at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium (WMCA) on 20th Street and will draw close to 500 students from various schools in Westman, Yuel told the Sun. The show opens for the public on Thursday at 7 p.m. (Dec. 5), followed by a 7 p.m. show on Friday (Dec. 6) and two shows slated for Saturday (Dec. 7) at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for students and seniors, and $15 for children (12 and under). They can be purchased online at wmca.ca or by calling the WMCA box office at 204-728-9510.

Yuel also works as the assistant director at the Steppin’ Time Dance Studio in downtown Brandon and was also involved with choreographing the recently concluded performances for the “The Nutcracker Reimagined.”

She has also been instrumental in staging multiple productions involving Neelin High School students since 2006. These include reproductions, such as “Where’s Charley?” “Rent” the musical and “Anastasia.”

Students from the school have also performed in original productions created by Yuel, such as “Wide Open Spaces,” “The Crucible” (based on the Arthur Miller play) and “Sanctuary: Hope for Darfur,” which were staged for a more mature audience.

“We pride ourselves in bringing new shows to Brandon (each year). This year, we wanted to do a show that is more suitable for all ages,” said Yuel, adding the choice for this year’s musical was also based on the strengths and abilities of the students involved in the production, which includes considerable choreographed performances.

“We wanted to stage a triple-threat musical. One that has dancing, singing and acting.”

» The Brandon Sun