Dr. Charles Smith, Peak to Peak. The opening evening of the Peak to Peak Players fall family production of Willy Wonka, Jr. was a delight for the adults and kids in attendance at the Gilpin School auditorium. 

Over two dozen performers sang, danced, and delivered the wonderful story of young Charlie Bucket finding the “Golden Ticket” in the candy bar. A sweet boy from a poor family dreams of finding one of the five tickets hidden that will admit him to the eccentric and reclusive Wonka magical factory. 

This 1971 feature film starred Gene Wilder as Wonka and was based upon the 1964 novel by Roald Dahl. 

Ben Hunt portrayed the role of Charlie Bucket. His character was quite impressive with a present and full singing tone. He simply was performing at a professional level in the production. He was not the only standout. Jordanna Gagnon was very convincing as Mr. Bucket. Lynda Icenogle was also quite believeable as the radio announcer Phineous Trout. She certainly gets the best costume and hair design award! She looked amazing. Emma Hardy’s singing and German accent was spot on. 

Costumes are ALWAYS a major reason why the Peak to Peak Players productions are a hit. Kayce Harmsen always seems to pull out all of the stops to make sure that each and every one of the performers looks great. The dozen green haired Ooopa-Loompas and the Squirrel Dancers were wonderful. Cason Turkaly’s cowboy outfit was a costume highlight as well.

There are always so many Peak to Peak players to thank. The hundreds of hours of rehearsal and the small army of volunteers to work the show backstage and in the house. 

Peak to Peak Players continue to provide opportunities for classes, on and off stage performance, and certain to provide laughs and enjoyment to countless audience members.  

(Originally published in the November 28, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)