Hartford Children's Theatre Presents WILLY WONKA, 9/24-10/3

Marking the beginning of its 2010-2011 Family Main Stage Series "Pure Imagination," Hartford Children's Theatre (HCT) proudly announces a delicious new production of WILLY WONKA, directed by HCT Artistic Director Ryan Ratelle with musical direction by Louise Fauteux and choreography by Keri Danner.  A scrumptious treat for the entire family, WILLY WONKA opens on Friday, September 24, 2010 at the Carol Autorino Center for Arts and Humanities on the campus of Saint Joseph College (1678 Asylum Avenue in West Hartford) where the show will run through Sunday, October 3, 2010.  Tickets are now on sale.

Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life on the Hartford Children's Theatre stage in this delicious new musical adaptation of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."  Willy Wonka and his band of Oompa Loompas lead Charlie Bucket, the spoiled-rotten Veruca Salt, gluttonous Augustus Gloop, gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde and television junkie Mike Teavee through a labyrinth of lemon drops, life lessons and giggles galore.  WILLY WONKA features plenty of surprises and memorable songs from the cult classic 1971 film including, "Pure Imagination," "I've Got a Golden Ticket," "I Want it Now" and "The Candy Man."

Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse (Doctor Doolittle) and Tim McDonald, WILLY WONKA features music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley (Stop the World - I Want to Get Off).

The cast of WILLY WONKA includes Christopher Cavallo as "Willy Wonka," Nick D'Angelo as "Candy Man / Phineous Trout," Timmy Perry as "Charlie Bucket," Arnie Woelfel as "Grandpa Joe," Amaris Montoya as "Mrs. Bucket," Thomas Beebe as "Augustus Gloop," Emely Larson as "Mrs. Gloop," Emily Bordonaro as "Veruca Salt," Charles DellaRocco as "Mr. Salt," Ben Scanlon as "Mike Teavee," Sheri Ziccardi as "Mrs. Teavee," Hollis Long as "Violet Beauregarde" and Christina Dzenyuy as "Mrs. Beauregarde." Featured in the ensemble are Mandy Reynolds, Nicole Rodriguez, Bruce Terrill, Caleb Reynolds, Lauren Cassot, Clare Meehan, Sophie Atler, Stefan Izydorczak, Patrick Beebe, Olivia Clyne, Jerome Walker, Madison Bluth, Robbie Wilbur, Lauren Popillo, Ginny Van Zandt, Taylor Paydos and McKayla Morrison.

WILLY WONKA features Scenic Designs by Magge Gagliardi, Costume Designs by Pam Puente, Lighting Design by Ric Lucero and Hair Design by Linda Stanhope.

Performances of HCT'S WILLY WONKA will take place at the Carol Autorino Center for Arts and Humanities on the Campus of Saint Joseph College (1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford), easily accessible from I-84 and I-91.  The performance schedule is as follows: Friday, September 24 at 7 pm; Saturday, September 25 at 10 am; Sunday, September 26 at 2 pm; Friday, October 1 at 7 pm; Saturday, October 2 at 10 am and 2 pm; Sunday, October 3 at 2 pm.  Student Matinee Performances will be offered at 10 am on Wednesday, September 29 and Thursday, September 30, 2010.

Tickets for HCT's WILLY WONKA are $18 for Adults, $13 for Children (13 and under) & Senior Citizens and are available online at www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org.  For more information, please call the HCT Box Office on 860.429.7970 ext. 12.  Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.

The mission of Hartford Children's Theatre is to enrich the lives of the children of Greater Hartford and surrounding communities by providing access and exposure to high quality theatre for young audiences and related educational opportunities.  Executive Director Dulcie Giadone, Artistic Director Ryan Ratelle and Education Director Lisa Foss helm the organization now entering its 21st year.

For more information, please call 860.249.7970 or visit us online at: www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org.

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