“Willy Wonka Jr.” plays the Town Hall Theatre this weekend
Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” follows everyone’s favorite candy-maker, Willy Wonka, as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars.
Whoever finds these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka chocolate factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats, but the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences.
For the past 18 years, The Magic Beanstalk Players has been dramaworks’ youth drama program for kindergarten through eighth-grade students. Classes take place during the school year, and the program also offers a summer drama camp in July.
Each spring the drama students are immersed in all aspects of creating and performing a musical production. Not only do the students sing, dance and act, but also they help create the set, costumes, props and technical aspects.
This year students had the opportunity to be candy makers themselves, as our local candy maker, Amy Carey of Carey Candy Co., led the students in making their own chocolate lollipops that they will sell during the play.
The dramaworks program is in its 19th year. This year has seen record enrollment, with 72 students participating from schools across the county. Director Danielle Wagner Plocki said, “Because of our large numbers we have two casts this year with approximately 35 students in each cast. The Fudgemallow cast will perform Friday night and Saturday matinee and the Gobstopper cast will perform Saturday night and Sunday matinee.
The production team this year includes Plocki, who has been directing the program for 12 years, and Saraha Michelle Black currently in her fourth year as music director.
Lynnette Choate and Tina Thorman have been instrumental in helping students create the visual art component of Willy Wonka, as Costume and Set Committee chairs. Max Egloff joined the team this year as the lead K-2 drama instructor.
“Our goal as a youth drama program is to not only open a child’s eyes to the wonderment of the theatre, but to inspire young imaginations, instill an appreciation for the arts, and provide a safe environment for children to flourish and grow.” stated Plocki.
Tickets to the show are on sale at Quincy Provisions, Quintopia Brewing and online at www.dramaworks.us.
Audiences will not be disappointed! This “scrumdidilyumptious” musical will have audiences singing along to classic songs such as “Candyman,” “I’ve Got A Golden Ticket,” and “Pure Imagination.” This delicious adventure is sure to delight everyone’s sweet tooth, added Plocki.
The Magic Beanstalk Players is a tuition-based program and has a scholarship fund to ensure that no child is turned away from participating. It’s easy to sponsor a scholarship student. Donations should be made payable to Magic Beanstalk Players, 14 Crescent St., Quincy, CA 95971.
dramaworks’ Magic Beanstalk Players presents:
What: “Willy Wonka Jr.”
When: Friday, April 12, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 13, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m.
Where: Town Hall Theatre, 469 Main St., Quincy
