Whether it’s a chocolate factory bursting with every treat imaginable or a castle full of courtiers desperately seeking a princess, Rainbow Youth Theatre’s July shows promise to be magical affairs.
Brought to life by their exuberant and talented young casts, under the guidance of director and choreographer Brian Kruse, musical director Joey Clarkson and assistant director Alysson Leet, these productions are not to be missed.
The fun kicks off on July 24 with Willy Wonka Jr. based on Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Performed by kids, for kids, the show is a perfect way to get children of all ages excited about the magic of theatre. Classic songs like Pure Imagination, The Candy Man and the indelible Oompa Looma will charm audiences young and young-at-heart.
On July 25, Rainbow’s second summer show opens — the classic Broadway hit Once Upon a Mattress, in which Carol Burnett made her Broadway debut in 1959.
It is based on the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale The Princess and the Pea, but this version is not quite the story you remember. The King is mute, the Queen is foiling all of her son’s attempts to marry, and the Princess swims the castle moat.
Where does the pea fit in? You’ll have to come see the show to find out.
Willy Wonka Jr. and Once Upon a Mattress will be performing at Mark R. Isfeld Secondary School during the last week of July. Wonka fans can enjoy 2 p.m. matinee performances on July 24, July 30 and July 31 or 7 p.m. evening shows July 24 and July 27. Mattress takes to the stage at 7 p.m. on July 25 and July 26, and July 28 to 31.
Tickets are $15, and RYT is making the theatre experience for Willy Wonka Jr. more affordable for families by offering tickets for those younger than 12 at the reduced price of $5 with the purchase of a regularly priced ticket. Advance tickets may be purchased at Isfeld Secondary from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m. or at Videos 'n’ More in Comox.
Join Rainbow’s Facebook group or follow @RYT_2011 on Twitter for behind-the-scenes updates.
— Rainbow Youth Theatre