Wonka comes to Muskogee

By Travina Coleman
Phoenix Features Writer

June 21, 2008 10:51 pm

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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.”
The show is a mix of the original version of “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory,” and “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.”
All of the favorite characters will be there and some of the most memorable songs.
Wetz said the camp runs from 1 to 5 p.m. five days a week for four weeks.
“They have worked really hard on the show,” she said.
Brothers Jake and Andrew Gibson were able to make enrollment before the camp closed and Andrew got the role of Charlie Bucket.
“I have never done anything like this before,” Jake said. “I am nervous about opening.”
Jake, third grader from Hilldale Elementary, said he felt a lot of responsibility with having the lead part.
“I just don’t want to ruin the whole play,” he said.


Cast

• Willy Wonka — Makenna Hukill.
• Charlie Bucket — Jake Gibson.
• Mrs. Bucket — Madison Shoemaker.
• Mr. Bucket — Kenny Cooper.
• Grandma Josephina — Molly Cooper.
• Grandma Georgina — Ashley Lynn.
• Grandpa Joe — Chris Gilmartin.
• Grandpa George — Cooper Woodliff.
• James — Jack Greer.
• Matilda — Alexy Kate Schoefield.
• Phineous — Biancca Wright.
• Trout — Briaynna Wright.
• Augustus — Jacob Hartman.
• Mrs. Gloop — Karlie Newell.
• Veruca — Arianna Klassen.
• Mr. Salt — Brady Allen.
• Violet — Ashley Stewart.
• Mrs. Beauregard — Joella Wooten.
• Mike — Bowen Page.
• Mrs. Teavee — Katelyn Fuller.
• Camera Man — Andrew Gibson.
• Head Squirrel — Alice McCombs.
• Alfie — Keith Baughman.
• Sophie — Sky Deer.
• Billie — Zuri Holder.
• Danny — Kaden McCaleb.
• George — Daniel Van Kirk.

Oompa Loompas/Cooks
• #1 Madison Eckerson.
• #2 Leslie Dause.
• #3 Halie Cumby.
• #4 Clarinda Dansby.
• #5 Haley Wayerski.
Alexy Kate Shoefield
Ashley Lynn
Karlie Gibson
Madison Clark
Molly Cooper
Keith Baughman
Ashlyn McDaniel
Madison Shoemaker
Makenzie Cumby
Jack Greer
Kaden McCaleb
Daniel Van Kirk
Kenny Cooper
Kyran McCaleb
Alice McCombs
Karlie Newell
Jacob Hartman
Zuri Holder
Sky Deer
Biancca Wright
Briaynna Wright

Squirrels
Abbie Page
Cooper Woodliff
Meredith Gilmartin
Kyle Gibson
Erin Crotty
Raylynn Thompson
Kate Williams
Madelyn Washington
Riley Huston

Director/counselor — Micheal Rappe.
Music Director/counselor — Haley Jane Pierce.
Choreographer/counselor — Chelsey Puckett.
Costumes/counselor — Morgan Crank.
Sets and Props/counselor — Jericha McGill.
Technical Director/counselor — Avery Frix.
Artistic Director/counselor — Zach Alexander.
Camp assistants — Sam Stratton and Ashtonn Thompson.
Choreographer/advisor — Sara Blankenship.
Camp director — Penny McGill.
MLT executive director — Coni Wetz.

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