Money buys most things. Not, however, one of Willy Wonka’s squirrels as heiress Veruca Salt, soon finds out. She decides to kick and scream her way through it but is summarily rolled down a rubbish chute by the aforesaid squirrel. Little Zai Libby, who plays Veruca Salt, in A to Zee Creativity’s version of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, plays the little diva to the T, scowling fiercely and throwing a hissy fit, when she doesn’t get what she wants.
“She doesn’t have to try very hard,” quips Shaan Katari Libby, director of the production and Zai’s mother, at one of the rehearsals.
Based on Roald Dahl’s delightful classic, the play tells the story of the penniless Charlie Bucket, who is one among five children to be invited into chocolatier Willy Wonka’s famous factory.
“ Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is one of my favourite books by Roald Dahl. It is a rite of passage for most children — in book form as well as the films. Editing it down has been the hardest part because the language is so delightful. But I really hope this will be an experience that all the children in this production will remember,” smiles Shaan.
The cast, which includes children across age groups from teenagers to those as young as five and six, certainly seems enthusiastic about their upcoming production.
“Being part of this production inspired me to read the book,” says Mansi Hosangady, one of the narrators. “I fell in love with it. It is really a fun story,” she says.
Johan Kurian, who plays the role of Mike Teavee, the little boy addicted to television, agrees, “Yes, it is really funny. I love my role,” he says, adding however that he doesn’t watch much TV in real life.
Muskan Gupta, who plays Violet Beauregarde, the little girl who loves chewing gum, adds, “I hate gum in real life but I do like the thought of becoming a blueberry,” she grins.
Little Saanvi Gupta, all of five, who is a squirrel, is a trifle disappointed that she doesn’t have lines, “All I do is squeak.”
Mr. Wonka, played by Adam Libby, resplendent in top hat and coat tails, is a self-possessed young man. “I like being Mr. Wonka — I am passionate about chocolate too,” he says.
“I watched the London show last summer to do our homework — and it was truly spectacular. I knew we would never be able to match that, but it was so magical, that it inspired us to give it a go,” says Shaan, adding that the sets and costumes were designed by her parents and the play choreographed by Prarthana and Manikandan.
The proceeds from the show go to charity, she adds. “This year, we are raising funds for the Guild of Service Girls Home and the Rotary Club Boys Town. Also, we are having a special show exclusively for them,” she says.
Morning and evening shows of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory will be held on April 11 and 12 at the Alliance Française, College Road. Call 98405 71186 or 99414 02977 for more details.
