Branch Out Productions present family favourite as part of Frostival.
Roald Dah’s deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka, comes to life in this production based on the 1971 classic movie. Featuring a chocolate garden, an army of squirrels, the curiously peculiar Oompa-Loompas and a local cast ranging in age from six to 60, Willy Wonka is choc-full of fantastical treats to dazzle your senses.
“Willy Wonka is going to be a great show,” said Ben Harrison, Artistic Director of Fredericton’s Branch Out Productions. “Our cast features over 40 local actors with a variety of theatrical backgrounds. They’ve been working really hard and their work is showing.”
This production is being presented in partnership with Frostival, Atlantic Canada’s largest winter festival, and was selected as part of Branch Out Productions’ season, do to its all-ages, family appeal. Willy Wonka offers something for everyone.
“We chose this production for a number of reasons,” said Harrison. “It fits our niche well. Branch Out Productions tends to produce family friendly shows, with multigenerational casts. It is a popular work which many, including myself, know and love. It teaches a great set of life lessons for young and old and will provide another child-friendly option during this year’s Frostival.”
For the past few months, the cast and crew have been rehearsing scenes and shaping the set for this production which opens Friday February 6 at Fredericton High School’s Tom Morrison Theatre.
“This show is filled with tons of magical moments,” said Harrison. “This was really appealing as a director. It’s fun to figure out things like, how do we send a kid shooting up a chocolate tube? How do we turn a girl into a blueberry and have her explode? How do we make a boy and his grandfather float in a room full of bubbles? We’ve spent the last few months working through each of these to make sure they are exciting, hilarious and well done.”
Don’t miss you chance to catch this show and support the important role family-friendly community theatre plays within Fredericton’s cultural landscape.
Willy Wonka | Tom Morrison Theatre | February 6 at 7;00pm & February 7 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm | Tickets $15 in advance from Regent Mall Guest Services & Westminster Books | $20 at the door
