When Kirkland-based Studio East put on Willy Wonka six years ago, the show was a raving success. This fall hasn’t been any different.
“People have grown up with the movie, and when they did the remake [with Johnny Depp], it became really popular again,” said Lani Brockman, Studio East Executive Artistic Director.
The remake spawned a stage rendition — one Brockman notes hasn’t hit Broadway, but will in the next year — and the response has been huge.
Wonka, the first show in the 2016-17 Studio East mainstage season, sold out its remaining shows on Oct. 28, 29 and 30 at Studio East Mainstage Theater.
The show features actors between nine and 17 years old, and was double cast to allow more kids to participate.
One of two Wonkas is played by 15-year-old Isabella Adab, who participated in the initial showing of Willy Wonka along with her sister — both as Oompa Loompas.
The other Wonka was involved in Studio East’s production of the Wizard of Oz over the summer. Josh Payne is the nephew of Kirkland mayor Amy Walen, who also participated as the Mayor of Oz.
The show is directed by Andrew Coopman, who has been with Studio East for about a year. Coopman directed The Odyssey in the spring, and was involved with Studio East’s summer programs.
The next mainstage production is ‘Twas The Night, an annual holiday celebration beginning the weekend after Thanksgiving and running through Christmas at Kirkland Performance Center.
Storybook Theater’s ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ production is scheduled to visit the Kirkland Performance Center on Nov. 12, 13, and 19, with a Nov. 20 performance interpreted to ASL for deaf patrons.
Studio East’s annual ‘Jest for Funds’ auction, a major fundraiser for the educational theater arts organization, is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 4 at the Marriott Hotel in Redmond.