The Scene

Oompa Loompa Invasion!

Published on Monday, October 24 2011
Written by Super User

I was five years old when I first met those whimsical little orange men of the Willy Wonka world, and ever since, I have dreamed of being whisked away into their chocolate wonderland. Oompa Loompas have treated the lucky dreamers of New York City to an expectedly well-choreographed spectacle, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the classic film, Willy Wonka The Chocolate Factory. In the flash-mob vein, the Oompa invasion caused joy and spontaneous dance to erupt in otherwise tight-laced city areas.

 

 

The reunion of cast and crew members that first brought the Roald Dahl novel to life also marked the release of a special anniversary film edition. Rusty Goffe, one of the original Loompas in the 1971 movie, was joined by Julie Dawn Cole (Veruca Salt), Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde), Paris Themmen (Mike Tee Vee), and director Mel Stuart. The cast met fans and signed autographs of the DVD.

Musing on the magical set of a lost era, Stuart said, "I remember going into the chocolate room and seeing all that color. The river, the waterfall. It was awesome. It was amazing."

Suffice to say, news of this story had me out the door and in the chocolate aisle with the help of an imaginary orange man perching on my right shoulder, where the good old diet angel usually holds residence. Even after all these years, Oompa Loompas are still fueling my healthy chocolate addiction. We thank everybody involved. 

 

- Symonne Torpy, YH Staff