T-R PHOTO BY LANA BRADSTREAM — During a rehearsal, Jaylin Fogarty, who plays Willy Wonka, explains what happened to one of the characters. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” will be performed Friday and Saturday at the Marshalltown Performing Arts Center.

The music makers and dreamers of dreams are coming to Marshalltown.

Marshalltown High School (MHS) students are bringing Roald Dahl’s musical “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” to town on Friday and Saturday.

MHS Director of Vocal Music and the show’s Music Director Amy Ose said the well-known story was chosen because of the variety of characters.

“It gave ample opportunities for many students to be involved,” she said. “I also love that the story tells the tale of how greed and selfish nature can negatively affect an outcome, while humility and loyalty are rewarded beyond measure.”

When word got out about “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” Ose said the community responded with enthusiasm, and students were eager to get involved.

Bringing the story to life are more than 50 MHS students, serving as cast, crew and the pit orchestra. The role of Willy Wonka will be played by Jaylin Fogarty; Charlie Bucket, Paige Haughey; Grandpa Joe, Ryder Ambrose; Violet Beauregarde, Nathalie Corral Coronado and; Mrs. Bucket, Ella Reynolds.

“The audience will see our MHS students bring some very unique characters to life,” she said. “Every role is a character in and of itself.”

After auditions were held on Jan. 21 and Jan. 22, rehearsals began Jan. 23.

“Our rehearsal period has been shorter than usual, but despite that challenge, our cast has worked really hard to put together a great show,” Ose said.

Fans of the 2005 movie starring Johnny Depp or the 1971 “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” starring Gene Wilder might not encounter the bright colors and detailed sets at the MHS production, but work has been put into the set. Since the production is not a film, the audience can expect a significantly more simplistic setting. Ose said they did have limited time on stage and in the shop, but the set is in progress.

“Our director, Daniel Abens, has been creating the vision of our show and is working with MHS staff and students to complete his vision,” she said.

Ose is looking forward to the performance and said the audience is going to be reintroduced to a story many already know. It features two iconic songs from the original 1971 movie — “The Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination” — and some new, updated songs added for the stage.

In addition to Ose as the music director, Abens is the drama director, and Brian Lewsadder is the director of the pit orchestra. Working with the entire crew has been truly enjoyable for Ose.

“The cast is filled with really wonderful students who are striving to bring their best every day; and having a great directing team to work with in Daniel and Brian, has made the process even better,” she said. “Every day is a new adventure, especially when putting a show together in the winter months, but a fun adventure.”

Ose hopes to see the Marshalltown community turn out for “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

“With this show, I hope we can remind everyone of the importance of humility, loyalty and honesty and that those qualities are recognized and rewarded,” she said.

MUSICAL INFO:

What: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Location: Marshalltown Performing Arts Center

Address: 1602 S. Second Ave.

Dates: Friday and Saturday

Times: 7 p.m.

Tickets: $7, MHS activity passes will be honored.

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Contact Lana Bradstream

at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or

lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.