With its unique characters and iconic tunes, the 1971 film version of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” continues to be beloved as one of the memorable musical films around.
Jill Connor / The Citizen
From top left, Joe Prue, 17, plays Willy Wonka; Alejandro Circelli, 16, plays Augustus Gloop; Zach Driscoll, 11, plays Charlie Bucket; and Ashley Cornelius, 13, plays Veruca Salt in the Auburn Players' “Willy Wonka Junior.”
From top left, Joe Prue, 17, plays Willy Wonka; Alejandro Circelli, 16, plays Augustus Gloop; Zach Driscoll, 11, plays Charlie Bucket; and Ashley Cornelius, 13, plays Veruca Salt in the Auburn Players' “Willy Wonka Junior.”
Thanks to a local youth theater troupe, local residents and visitors will be able to experience some of the classic's best moments live and on stage.
The Auburn Players Youth Theater will present this weekend “Willy Wonka Junior,” a stage adaptation of the Roald Dahl novel featuring music from the film starring Gene Wilder.
The show features a cast of more than 50 local students between the ages of 4 and 18. Lovable duo Charlie and Grandpa win a trip to a candy factory run by an eccentric recluse. They meet a host of characters that range from bratty little kids to bizarre Oompa Loompas.
The play is based on of the most famous children's stories from Dahl, who also wrote “James and The Giant Peach.” But throughout the show, audiences will hear classic songs by Anthony Newley like “The Candy Man Can,” “I've Got a Golden Ticket” and “Pure Imagination.”
It's nice that the Players are putting on a show with songs many of the attendees already know, musical director Sara Fraher said last week after a rehearsal. However the recognizable score poses a challenge, too, she said.
“They have to be perfect,” Fraher, 19, said of the performances.
Another challenge comes from the size and diversity of the cast, according to organizers. These rolls are filled by children from preschool to high school age, said Elisa Carabajal Hunt, who is directing the play.
“When you have 60 people on stage, it is hard to keep the focus,” she said. “But I think that also gives it a lot of energy, and that makes it fun,” Carabajal Hunt said.
She added that the performance will not be the only thing featuring the work of youths. The lighting, props and stage were also put together by students, she said.
“When you pull everything together at the end, there is a lot of satisfaction,” Carabajal Hunt said.
The same goes for many of the cast members. Sarah DelFavero, who plays Mrs. Gloop, said the most impressive aspect of the show to her is the fact that this is her first show with the Players.
“I get to explore all these characters,” DelFavero said. “I've never done this kind of show before.”
Christopher Caskey
253-5311 ext. 282
christopher.caskey@lee.net
If you go.
What: “Willy Wonka Junior”
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12 and 13; 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14
Where: Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin St., Auburn
Cost: $12 general admission, $10 for seniors and students, $7 for children under 12
Info: Call 258-8275
The Auburn Players Youth Theater will present this weekend “Willy Wonka Junior,” a stage adaptation of the Roald Dahl novel featuring music from the film starring Gene Wilder.
The show features a cast of more than 50 local students between the ages of 4 and 18. Lovable duo Charlie and Grandpa win a trip to a candy factory run by an eccentric recluse. They meet a host of characters that range from bratty little kids to bizarre Oompa Loompas.
The play is based on of the most famous children's stories from Dahl, who also wrote “James and The Giant Peach.” But throughout the show, audiences will hear classic songs by Anthony Newley like “The Candy Man Can,” “I've Got a Golden Ticket” and “Pure Imagination.”
It's nice that the Players are putting on a show with songs many of the attendees already know, musical director Sara Fraher said last week after a rehearsal. However the recognizable score poses a challenge, too, she said.
“They have to be perfect,” Fraher, 19, said of the performances.
Another challenge comes from the size and diversity of the cast, according to organizers. These rolls are filled by children from preschool to high school age, said Elisa Carabajal Hunt, who is directing the play.
“When you have 60 people on stage, it is hard to keep the focus,” she said. “But I think that also gives it a lot of energy, and that makes it fun,” Carabajal Hunt said.
She added that the performance will not be the only thing featuring the work of youths. The lighting, props and stage were also put together by students, she said.
“When you pull everything together at the end, there is a lot of satisfaction,” Carabajal Hunt said.
The same goes for many of the cast members. Sarah DelFavero, who plays Mrs. Gloop, said the most impressive aspect of the show to her is the fact that this is her first show with the Players.
“I get to explore all these characters,” DelFavero said. “I've never done this kind of show before.”
Christopher Caskey
253-5311 ext. 282
christopher.caskey@lee.net
If you go.
What: “Willy Wonka Junior”
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 12 and 13; 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14
Where: Cayuga Community College, 197 Franklin St., Auburn
Cost: $12 general admission, $10 for seniors and students, $7 for children under 12
Info: Call 258-8275
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