Sign Language Theater Brings ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ to Alberta Bair Theater

The Alberta Bair Theater will present two matinee performances of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” on Tuesday, March 16, at 9:30 am. and 12:30 p.m.

The shows are part of a U.S. tour with Sign Stage on Tour, a company specializing in sign language theater. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is a one-hour production that combines deaf and hearing actors performing together on stage. It is recommended for students in kindergarten through grade six.

Five lucky children have won the chance of a lifetime to tour Mr. Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. What happens when these five children meet the famous Mr. Wonka, pass through the big factory doors and come upon the factory workers who throw their tiny shadows on the windows and talk in rhyme? What happens when the children disobey Mr. Wonka’s orders? This hilarious adaptation will bring smiles to every member of the family.

During this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s uproarious morality tale, when a character speaks, the character speaking uses Sign Language but the audience always hears the voice, too. The voice comes from a different actor speaking through a microphone, sometimes on-stage and sometimes off-stage. Visually the stage is filled with the movement of hands and bodies; yet, every word is spoken to make sure all audience members, both deaf and hearing, don’t miss a thing. It’s a magical blend of language, created when performing a play, simultaneously is spoken in English and in the beauty of American Sign Language.

Tickets are $5. To make reservations for groups of 10 or more, call Lisa Geda, School Show Coordinator, at 406-256-8915 ext. 207 or e-mail her at lgeda@albertabairtheater.org. Groups of fewer than 10 can purchase tickets — in advance — at the ABT ticket office, 256-6052, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. or on the day of the show, one half hour prior to the show. Seating is general admission.