Oompa Loompas to take over kids theater

Hold on to your golden ticket.

And try to resist singing along with the Oompa Loompas.

The Improv Playhouse Young Actors Workshop, featuring children ages 8 to 16, will present a two-cast production "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory."

Shows will be presented today through Sunday at the Libertyville High School studio theater, 708 W. Park Ave., Libertyville.

David Stuart, founder of Improv Playhouse, said Roald Dahl's children's novel recently got some attention after actor Johnny Depp helped bring the character of Willy Wonka and the story to the big screen in 2005.

This sparked the interest of many of Improv Playhouse's young actors, who always will give him advice on what to produce next, Stuart said.

Directed by Kate Bergeron, Willy Wonka and his band of Oompa Loompas will lead sweet-natured Charlie Bucket on a tour of this mysterious candy factory.

Playing Charlie in the two casts will be brothers Mark and Eric Boynton of Libertyville.

Joining Charlie on the tour are the spoiled-rotten Veruca Salt, gluttonous Augustus Gloop, gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde and television junkie Mike Teavee.

Leading the tour, Willy Wonka will be played by Drew Echales of Vernon Hills and Vinny Torossy of Wauconda.

Adults and children alike will not only enjoy seeing the youngest actors play the Oompa Loompas but also gain a valuable life lesson as they watch the fate of each child.

"Willy leads each in an adventure that turns out to be a life lesson for each one of the children," Stuart said.

For more information, call Improv Playhouse at (847) 968-4529 or visit the Web site at www.improvplayhouse.com.

If you go

What: Improv Playhouse's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"

Where: Libertyville High School studio theater, 708 W. Park Ave., Libertyville

When: 7:30 p.m. today and Friday; 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 and 5 p.m. Sunday

Tickets: $10 for adults $10 and $7 for seniors, students and the military