Published June 21, 2008 09:51 pm -
Wonka comes to Muskogee
By Travina Coleman
Phoenix Features Writer
Whether you preferred Gene Wilder or Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka, you are sure to love Makenna Hukill as the eccentric chocolate maker in Muskogee Little Theatre’s summer youth camp’s production of “Willy Wonka.”
Hukill, 12, said she had never been in a performance as difficult as this one.
“It has been hard to find the balance you need to pull this character off,” she said. “We are trying to not be too animated and still make the characters come alive.”
Coni Wetz, of MLT, said they had the quickest enrollment in the summer youth camp this year.
“We opened for enrollment and filled the first day,” Wetz said.
More than 45 campers have been gathering in the playhouse to make all the sets, props, and costumes needed in the performance.
“The kits we get are great for learning,” Wetz said. “They come with all the instructions and tips needed to pull the show off.”
For campers that needed a tuition scholarship, MLT was able to help in that area too.
“We were able to give around 14 scholarships,” Wetz said. “We were able to match or give more than the requested amounts.”
Wetz said patrons of MLT give donations during the intermissions of regular season shows to help with these costs.
“They are really wonderful,” she said.
Clarinda Dansby, 15 said she is excited to be an Oompa Loompa.
“I like to act,” she said. “This is my first show.”