Four SeasonsB次元官网网址� latest stage production is so family oriented, most scenes for its newest showing will feature at least two members from an acting family, if not more.
The local musical theatre troupe is performing six showings of Roald DahlB次元官网网址檚 Willy Wonka at ClaremontB次元官网网址檚 Ridge Playhouse April 12 and 13, and then April 19 and 20. In the cast from Broadmead are four members of the Paxman family, which has been a lot of fun, said mom Jessica Paxman, a veteran of half dozen Four Seasons shows. (ItB次元官网网址檚 not the only family as all three members of the West ShoreB次元官网网址檚 Newton family are also in the cast, with Sarah Newton playing Willy Wonka.)
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B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a lot of fun, itB次元官网网址檚 certainly a family affair and weB次元官网网址檙e all enjoying it,B次元官网网址� Jessica said. ThereB次元官网网址檚 actually six members of the Paxman family, with two more little ones at rehearsal but who are still in waiting for their Four Seasons debuts.
Jessica plays Mrs. Bucket, while her partner Matt Paxman plays the Candy Man, 12-year-old Oliver plays James while younger brother Hayden, 10, plays Grandpa George. Both boys double as Oompa Loompas. Matt actually played Augustus Gloop in Four SeasonsB次元官网网址� Willy Wonka about 25 years ago.
For Hayden, whoB次元官网网址檚 in Grade 5, playing an intergenerational role as Grandpa George is actually one the most comedic parts of the musical, Jessica said.
B次元官网网址淥f the four grandparents in bed, three know each other as Grade 5 students and only one is actually old enough to be a grandparent.B次元官网网址�
For Oliver, meanwhile, itB次元官网网址檚 an acting debut and a chance to get comfortable with performing at Claremont, where heB次元官网网址檒l likely be starting Grade 9 in two years with hopes of studying in the theatrical program.
Longtime members of Four Seasons Musical Theatre Nikole Crooks and Chantelle Morneau are the co-directors of the show. Kevin Frye is the musical director as the play features the same songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder, with songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Mirella Standbridge leads the set building team.
It likely wonB次元官网网址檛 be the last performance that sees four Paxmans on stage together. Four Seasons is performing Roald DahlB次元官网网址檚 Matilda in the fall, and Jessica believes thereB次元官网网址檚 enough interest that theyB次元官网网址檒l be returning.
As a parent, one of the trickiest challenges is to let the kids do the learning themselves, Jessica said.
B次元官网网址淚 try to leave the coaching to [the directors], I have to stop myself and let the directors tell them,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚 do take notes from the director, bring them home and I explain B次元官网网址榠tB次元官网网址檚 on behalf of the director.B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�
Roald DahlB次元官网网址檚 Willy Wonka runs April 12, 7 p.m., April 13, 2 and 7 p.m., April 19, 7 p.m., April 20, 2 and 7 p.m., at ClaremontB次元官网网址檚 The Ridge Theatre. Tickets for adults are $20, children are $12, with family passes for $60 (two adults, two children) online at or at the door.
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