The Actors Guild of Schuylkill County is ready to take audiences to a world of pure imagination.
AGOSC will present “Willy Wonka Jr.” at 7 p.m. today and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Simon Kramer Theatre, 15 Alliance St., New Philadelphia. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for children 3 and under.
Amy Mills, director and choreographer, said the production is modeled after the original film starring Gene Wilder as the eccentric chocolate maker who gives a group of lucky children a trip of his factory in hopes of finding its new owner. She said the storyline stays close to the movie with only a few differences.
“Since it has been adapted as a stage musical, the audience will hear new songs that were not present in the film. Of course, the songs they recognize will be there as well, including ‘Pure Imagination,’ ‘Candy Man,’ and ‘Cheer Up, Charlie.’ Most everyone is familiar with the Oompa Loompa songs,” Mills said.
The show features a cast of 30 area children ranging in age from 5 to 17. Mills said most of the cast were familiar with one of the movie versions, referring to the original and the 2005 remake directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp.
“Many of them were familiar with the Gene Wilder version, which was surprising to me as I thought that most kids in this age range would have been more familiar with the Johnny Depp version,” she said.
In the film, Willy Wonka’s factory had large, elaborate rooms. Mills said it was almost impossible to create the scenes from the movie on the stage with a tight budget, but the guild’s “amazing” volunteers and artists gave them the biggest bang for their buck.
“Our volunteers spent countless hours over the past few months on the sets, props, costumes and all other aspects of theater to bring this show to life. Many of our volunteers also have full-time jobs during the day so it is a huge commitment for them to put so many additional hours into our show. We are so grateful to all our volunteers,” Mills said.
AGOSC is a nonprofit 501c3 community theater. Mills said all the work on the show is handled on a volunteer basis and nobody gets paid.
Mills said this is the seventh year the guild is producing a youth musical. After moving into Simon Kramer last year, the guild was able to produce shows they wanted to do in the larger space, including two of Mills’ childhood favorites.
“Last year we were able to produce ‘The Wizard of Oz’ youth production with much success and I am excited to be able to bring ‘Willy Wonka’ to life now as well,” she said.
She said she expects the same success this weekend.
“I believe the audience will be happily surprised at the level of talent and professionalism these young actors have. Those who have seen our past youth productions are always amazed at the show level for such young performers,” Mills said.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.agosc.org or call 570-617-2720.