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Community Corner

Enter a World of "Pure Imagination" With Willy Wonka, Jr.

The show runs July 23-25 at Camden County College.

Charlie's won a golden ticket to tour the magical Wonka candy factory. Mainstage invites audiences to  come along, too, in Summer Stage Children Theatre’s enchanting presentation of Willy Wonka, Jr. July 23 – 25, Dennis Flyer Theatre, Camden County College.

Join Charlie, (Jeffrey Redwanowski of Gloucester Township) and Grandpa Joe, (Aaron Burt of Gloucester Township) as they receive the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour the mysterious Wonka candy factory, guided by none other than Mr. Wonka himself, played by (Brian Lynn of Washington Township).

Also on the tour are enormous eater Augustus Gloop, (Ravi Seenariae of Magnolia); Mrs. Gloop (Ruby Goldstein of Cherry Hill); the spoiled Veruca Salt, (Ashley Neilio of Magnolia) Mr. Salt (Sean Polifrone of Lindenwold;) gum chewing Violet Beauregarde (Sarah Todd of Deptford); Ms. Beauregard (Kaitlin Fanelli of Marlton) the technology-addicted Mike Teavee, (Jack Breslow of Cherry Hill), and Ms Teavee (Jillian Speight of Blackwood).

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With the exception of Charlie, each of the imperfect youngsters fail Wonka's tests to determine a worthy heir to his candy-confecting legacy.

“I’ve always liked the movie. And, I’m so glad to be playing Charlie. I’m enjoying making him my own character,” said Redwanowski.

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But he is also having fun developing his character.

“Grandpa Joe’s such a fun character. I’ve been playing around with my voice and my posture to become him,” said Burt. “Working on this production with both old and new friends has just been a great experience.

Children will delight in Willy Wonka, Jr.’s magical scenery and songs, while adults will reminisce at the sight of the Oompa Loompas, gum-chewing Violet and other images from a beloved movie of their youth.

For director, Francine Odri of Lumberton, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was a childhood favorite.

“This show includes a lot of strong acting. So we’ve done intense character work with the kids. I love teaching them new things, and this has been wonderful,” said Odri. “Also, the flying scene helps make the show magical for both the audience and the actors. I’m so thankful to all the donors who made it possible for us to fly.”

Summer Stage performances of Willie Wonka, Jr., sponsored by Beneficial Bank and the Law Office of Lyndia Hinkle take place July 23 and 24, 7:30 p.m. and July 25, 10:30 a.m. in the newly-renovated, fully-accessible Dennis Flyer Theatre, Camden County College, 200 College Drive, Blackwood, NJ. Ticket prices are $10/children 12 and under/senior citizens and $11/adults. To purchase tickets visit www.mainstage.org or call 856-227-3091.  

In addition to Willy Wonka, Jr., the remaining Summer Stage season includes Beauty and the Beast, Jr.; July 30-August 1; and Broadway for Kids, August 6-8.  All productions run 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 10:30 a.m. Friday. There are also Thursday morning performances for groups, which are sign-interpreted. This year’s evening Mainstage production is Les Miserables, school edition, July 26, 7:30 p.m., July 27, 2 p.m., and August 1 and 2, 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.mainstage .org.

Summer Stage 2014 sets are sponsored by AP Construction. McDonald’s of Blackwood and Hurffville sponsor the Children’s Theatre Season.

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