Imagine the herculean task of wrangling 250 performers ranging in age from two-and-a-half years all the way to 21.
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Of dealing with over 500 costumes and multiple costume changes; of having 30 lapel microphones to coordinate among the singers, dancers and actors milling around backstage and in front of the audience.
You can expect all that and more this weekend as the Ballarat Centre of Music and the Arts presents its end-of-year production Wonka Goes Bonkas.
We all know the tale of Willy Wonka and his mystical chocolate factory. But did that version have Transformers, Ghostbusters and aerobics instructors?
Centre director Paula Heenan says the logistical production is crazy, but she's amazed at the way the show has come together.
The product of two former students' writing and imagination, Bonkas will bring performers from as far apart as Melton and Ararat to the stage in Wendouree on Saturday, in a regional tour-de-force of mayhem which includes 32 individually choreographed items drawing on art forms as diverse as hip-hop and ballet.
"There are six main teachers in charge backstage, but there will be 43 all up," Ms Heenan says, in addition to 70 parent helpers in dressing rooms across two shows and three rehearsals.
Ms Heenan invites the people of Ballarat to join Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt, Mike Teavee, Violet Beauregarde, Augustus Gloop and their chosen family members 'on an exciting tour of the inner workings of the most successful chocolate factory in the world.'
Lead by Wonka himself, the children embark on a journey to witness the delicious candy they love be created right in front of their eyes. But not everything goes according to plan.
The further they move through the factory, the more the children's flaws are on display. From gluttony to greed, pride to laziness, it all comes out.
With help from the Oompa Loompas, Ghost Ballerinas, Wii characters, FBI agents and others, Wonka sets out to find one lucky golden ticket winner to take home a lifetime supply of chocolate.
But who will the lucky winner be?
Wonka Goes Bonkas is at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts Saturday December 7, 1pm and 6pm
Tickets on sale through Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=552651& or contact BCMA on 5331 3086.