Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
at Katella High School

Reviewed on April 7, 2017

Micah Weightman
Brethren Christian
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Katella's "Willy Wonka" brings back child-like wonder
written by Micah Weightman, a junior at Brethren Christian

The classic tale of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" is told by Katella High School with whimsical delight while teaching the important value of optimism, integrity, and humility. Willy Wonka, the owner of the world famous chocolate factory, searches for an heir to his magnificent candy empire. While on a fantastic tour, the five wide-eyed children, along with their comical parents, are led through the factory, secretly being tested on their character and honor.

The story opens on Willy Wonka, played by Justin Pedroza, who twirls and gesticulates widely throughout the wonder-filled "Pure Imagination". As he charms his listeners, an adorable and energetic procession of Oompa Loompas joyfully fills the stage. The ensemble marches to and fro and dances with glee, keeping consistent energy throughout the entire tour.

Victor Jordan captures the youthful innocence of Charlie Bucket. Jordan makes his character's hardship evident as he mourns his family's poverty. Later, he celebrates in the cheery tune "I've Got A Golden Ticket," skipping and singing with joy. On the tour, Jordan makes evident the respectfulness and virtue of Charlie's character, contrasting heavily to the spoiled brats around him.

Gustavo Evaristo portrays Charlie's aged yet lively Grandpa Joe. Evaristo's physical comedy is shown as the determined elderly man overcomes his shakiness, rising from his bed. Then, alongside his grandson, the old rascal struts and prances around, filled with excitement at the thought of Willy Wonka's factory.

The Candy Man is played by John Rojas with caring warmth and friendliness. Rojas' smooth and charismatic voice is demonstrated in the well-known musical number "The Candy Man" as he gives out sweets to the thrilled neighborhood children. As he reaches out to poor Charlie, Rojas portrays his character's personable generosity and kindness.

As he guides the diverse group of children through his factory, Willy Wonka's eccentric personality is matched in Pedroza's performance through his bizarre posture. Remaining odd and mysterious to his visitors, Wonka's moments of near insanity are emphasized by Pedroza's deep, bellowing laughter.

The entire cast comes together to deliver this charming tale about optimism, humility, and finding the wonder in life.

Aaron Kim
Northwood High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

KHS's "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" is a sweet surprise
written by Aaron Kim, a junior at Northwood High School

Katella High School's adaptation of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" faithfully recreates the Road Dahl classic for the stage, telling the story of young Charlie Bucket, who happens upon a golden ticket that takes him on a life-changing journey through the marvellous factory of the mysterious candy maker Willy Wonka.

Victor Jordan, playing Charlie Bucket, brings an air of youthful innocence to his role. With a slight smile and easygoing posture, he brings a positive energy to the stage with a spring in his step. Charlie's enthusiasm remains infectious in his musical numbers, encouraging everyone to "Think Positive" with his bright and cheery gestures and tone of voice.

Gustavo Evaristo's portrayal of the stiff, elderly Grandpa Joe is refreshingly humorous and self-aware. With perfect comedic timing and boisterous shouts, Joe's distinctive laugh evokes a similar reaction from the audience. Additionally, even despite minor mishaps, he keeps his character up and carries on with merry excitement.

The Candy Man, played by John Rojas, radiates a relaxed good-naturedness, pairing a charming smile with a smooth and warm voice that belies his friendly character. In his interactions with Charlie and his classmates, his engaging physicality and joyful singing bring an atmosphere of pure joy in his titular song "The Candy Man".

Alina Hernandez delivers a witty and wry performance as reporter Phineous Trout. She presents each winner of the golden tickets subtly, emphasizing each of their respective characters with rolled eyes and emphatic shakes of her head.

Janet Gutierrez is the perfect brat as Veruca Salt. With a piercing, shrill tone of voice, she animatedly stomps and scampers about the stage, punctuating her obnoxious demands to her father with shouting and pouting in equal measure.

The publicity team, headed by Erika Llanillo, John Rojas, Summer Guzman, and Daniela Carmona, gave a more intimate look at the show through behind-the-scenes interviews of selected cast members posted to their Instagram and Snapchat accounts.

With KHS's "Willy Wonka", you don't need a golden ticket to go on a magical adventure.

Kelli Nilsen
El Dorado High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Katella gives a sweet performance of Willy Wonka
written by Kelli Nilsen, a junior at El Dorado High School

Based on the children's book, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl, Willy Wonka centers around a group of children who win a tour to the greatest candy factory in the world. Among this group is Charlie Bucket, a kind hearted boy who sticks out from the crowd of otherwise greedy and spoiled kids. While the others' selfish natures eventually lead to their downfalls, Charlie's genuine personality and positive attitude allow him to inherit a delicious fortune. Led by the crazed chocolatier, Willy Wonka, Bucket discovers the value of honesty.

As the compassionate Charlie Buckett, Victor Jordan maintains a childlike wonder on his face. Accompanying him is his Grandpa Joe, played by Gustavo Evaristo. Evaristo brings a youthful energy to the stage without deterring from his elderly character. Despite a few technical mishaps, Gustavo stays self-aware and quickly catches mistakes before they can become noticeable. Justin Pedroza plays the mysterious Willy Wonka. Using large gestures and effective sarcasm, Pedroza brings some humor to the show. His bass vocals resonate in his song "Pure Imagination".

John Rojas gives a stand out performance in his role as The Candyman. Rojas is committed to his character. He uses a warm tone to cheerfully engage the song and offers a friendly presence to the stage. The Candyman's energy allowed the ensemble to focus and come together for the song, "The Candyman".

Jacob Montano gives his performance as Augustus Gloop. Montano inhabits his character by using a German accent, and physicalizes Augustus's gluttony by clutching his stomach and straggling around the space. His mother, Mrs. Gloop, is played by Summer Guzman. While most of the cast could be difficult to understand, Guzman is able to deliver a brightly toned German accent while still speaking clearly. Guzman's comedic timing contributes to her scenes with Augustus and make his antics more entertaining.

Katella's Willy Wonka brings the original story to life. With fun songs, and a charming energy, Katella's show is a golden ticket.