Audience of One is off to a bang-up start, with much support from the local community.  Everything is in place for them to give children a wonderful experience in the world of theatre.  There were a few house issues that need attention, but as they fine tune their program, things will likely fall into place.  The doors did not open until 5 minutes before show time, causing a chaotic atmosphere in the lobby.  There was very bizarre pre-show music playing (presumably the sounds of the factory?) that were grating and confusing.  The show started about 15 minutes behind schedule.  Once the show began, though, so did the fun. 

The sets were imaginative & terrific and the production very well designed for the space, a civic multi-use facility in Parker, Colorado.  Costumes were wonderful - very creative and coordinated.  Audience of One employs a great deal of help from the parents in the program.  Several of the costumes and much of the set is strikingly well done, from the first factory reveal to the sparklingly green-haired Oompa Loompas.  The choreography was also wonderful - appropriate for the varied ages and the style.  There was some balance issue with the music, the performers who were wearing microphones, and the performers who were not amplified.  

Then there are the performances.  Payton Cox as Willy Wonka has a fine singing voice and wowed with several different accents, from Old Scottish to Austrian bodybuilder.  In an unusual move for this show, Lea Wright was cast as the Candy Man instead of having Mr. Wonka play that role.  Lea also has a nice singing voice and added some very polished moments in the show.  Harrison Bradley as Grandpa Joe gave a soft-spoken, well-done performance and was a favorite of this reviewer.  Charlie is played here by a young lady, Hannah Tuggle, also a fine actress and singer.   The other children who tour the factory with Charlie are integral to the story and the show’s success.  Tanner Childs played Augustus Gloop, accompanied by his mother, Sami Vaughn.  They are nicely paired for “I Eat More,” one of the show’s funnier moments.  Anna Melkonian plays Veruca Salt, the bratty and greedy daughter of Jared Nelson’s Mr. Salt.  Sarah McMillan shines as gum-chewing, southern-accented Violet Beauregarde with Meredith Ham as her mother.  Kyle Tuggle is Mike Teavee, paired with his mother, Taylor Kinsman, who enjoys some very nice “mother moments.”  Bailey DeBerry is Phineous Trout, who is the reporter who ties the whole promotions idea together. 

Performed April 22 - May 2, 2009.

Tammy Franklin
National Youth Theatre