The Willy Wonka New Year's Bash!

This review of our first ever NYE party comes from Jr. Blogger Sophie Knipp!

Doesn’t everybody like fun parties? 

Well, the BACT New Year’s Eve Bash was a blast that included the musical Willy Wonka, sweet treats, and a fun dance party with the Night Fairy where everyone cheered to the new year. If you want to know more, read on!

The evening began with a quick reception with activities like face painting, a photo booth, raffle drawing, and drinks (for both kids and adults). We were then escorted to the Osher Studio for the main event: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the musical. 

The show is about a poor boy named Charlie Bucket who wins a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory. Mary Gibboney, the actress who plays Willy Wonka, said that “A whole lot is different” between the popular movies and the musical; and I agree! 

The most noticeable difference was the oompa loompas.  They were the cutest puppets I have ever seen. 

  Emery Oompa, played by the actress Pauli Amornkul, is an orange fuzzy, 2-eyed, 3 feet tall adorable creature . “The kids love it. It adds another dimension”, said Pauli about using puppets in the show. 

The costumes were creative, especially the masks the actors wore to show they were playing different parts. The set included a colorful lollipop designed floor that made you want to lick it!

 “I think the message of the show is to not be afraid to be yourself... and everyone has a chance to be successful”, said Juan Castro who plays Charlie Bucket.

 After the show, the actors led us to the second theatre where there was a dance party where we counted down to the New Year with the Night Fairy from BACT’s show playing now recommended for ages 8 and up. The party was bumping and thumping with laughter, fun, desserts, drinks, awesome music (by DJ Austin Zumbro and his puppet shark), and lots of balloons in the air!

The BACT New Year’s Eve Bash was a great experience for families! My next blog will be about BACT’s first show in Sunnyvale, Elephant and Piggie. Stay tuned!