Daniel Benitez

The Signal Staff

Santa Claus is coming to San Jacinto College-Central Campus and is bringing all his toys and elves. San Jacinto College Theatre and Film department is having rehearsals for their 12th annual Christmas Musical. The musical features popular songs that we know by heart such as: Jingle Bells, Mr. Grinch and Frosty the Snow Man.

Each year a new cast participates in the musical.

“This is an original script that came from an improv in one of our classes where the improv topic was Santa Claus versus the Grinch as an idea for the show,” said Jerry Ivins, director of theatre and film. “We change the script periodically from year to year. We have different talents that come in and can do different impersonations, we add songs and take away songs and change things a little bit.” Continue Reading

Exclusive interview with “Jerry Doc” Ivins, director of “Santa’s Christmas Magic: The Musical,” and Jay Thomas, co-director, at San Jacinto College-Central campus. The Department of Theatre and Film presents a family celebration “Santa’s Christmas Magic: The Musical” with live toys this year.

Reporter: Daniel Benitez
Videographer: Jeffry Tupa

An interview with Jerry Ivins, director of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” at San Jacinto College. This play will be showing on Oct. 9 and will be showing for a two-weekend run schedule.

Matt Griesmyer

The Signal Staff

Oompa-loompa-doompadee-doo, San Jac has a brand new show for you.

The San Jacinto Community College-Central Campus theater program is rehearsing for its production of “Willy Wonka,” opening Oct. 9 and continuing for a two-weekend run schedule.

Acting a scene from Act 2 in “Willy Wonka,” the characters crowd together to fit in a cramped space. Pictured left to right: Lizz Redpath, theater major; Corie Matthews; Noah Mowry, theater major; and Sarah Kent.

“Willy Wonka is based on the novel ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’” said Jerry Ivins, director of theater and film.  “This production is going to be a combination of the first film and the novel.”

The original movie production of the book was released in 1971, with the main protagonist, Willy Wonka, played by Gene Wilder.  Later, in 2005, the book was again adapted to film, albeit in a much darker fashion, by director Tim Burton, with Johnny Depp playing the candy maker.

Ivins wants to keep this production in line with the first two incarnations of “Wonka” to provide a community-friendly show for the area patrons. Continue Reading

From San Jacinto College Theatre & Film:

MUSICAL AUDITIONS FOR OOMPA LOOMPAS

Willy Wonka: Musical!!

•  We need 100 singers, dancers, actors, or children who have an interest in being in their first play!
•  Only two weeks of rehearsals before performances!!
•  No experience necessary!!!
•  No registration or enrollment in classes required!!!!

Children ages 4 on up and under 5’ tall

San Jacinto College Central Departments of Theatre/Film and Music are seeking high and low for all the hidden Oompa Loompas within the local communities. SJCC will be having the second part of their auditions for the fall musical, Willy Wonka, and are looking to cast 100 community children.

We have been working hard the past few weeks with the adult cast of the musical, and it is time to focus on the younger roles. SJCC is hoping to cast local children who have about two weeks of evenings open for rehearsals and who are under 5’ tall. Interested children should be conflict free for the evenings during this two week period.

These children ranging in ages 4 and up, will be featured in up to five musical numbers. Rehearsals for these children would begin on Monday, Sept. 28, and would continue until the show opens on Oct. 9. Auditions are open to children from anywhere.

Performances are set for Oct. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m., and on Oct. 11 and 12 at 2:30 p.m. Special day matinee performances will be performed for area schools and daycares on Oct. 15 at 9:30 a.m. and 16 at 10 a.m. Further information about the auditions may be obtained by calling (281) 542-2039.

When: Sept. 26 and 27 at 6 p.m., Slocomb Auditorium. Dress to move, no prepared materials necessary.

Need:  100 Children who have an interest in theatre, ages 4 on up, and under 5’ tall.  Must have evenings free from Sept. 28 through Opening Night. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED.

For more information, call 281-542-2039.