Family Musical On Stage in Stamford for two weeks

“Who can take a sunrise, sprinkle it with dew, cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two?” If you know the answer, you’re probably a fan of the Broadway musical, CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. The good news is that you don’t need a Golden Ticket to see the show here in Stamford!

Playing in The Kweskin Theatre, at the Sterling Farms Theatre complex in Stamford, Curtain Call’s 36^th annual Summer Youth Theatre production features a cast of 55 young performers bringing Roald Dahl’s story to life August 6 through 15. Performances are evenings at 7:30pm and Sunday afternoon at 2:00. There is on special Sensory Friendly performance on Thursday, August 13. (Contact Curtain Call for details on that performance.)

“Long before this stage production came to life in London, and later Broadway, I was transported by the magic of the 1971 film musical, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, which featured the aforementioned lyric from 'The Candy Man',” said Curtain Call executive director, Lou Ursone. “What makes this summer so special is that so many of our young cast members are playing characters close to their own age,” Ursone added.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is based on the famous novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. It features an original score composed by Marc Shaiman with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray) and a book by David Greig. The score also pays homage to the Leslie Bricusse/Anthony Newley score from the film using songs like "The Candy Man," "I've Got a Golden Ticket," "Oompa Loompa Song," and "Pure Imagination." Ursone noted that this is the first time the show has played at Curtain Call.

The story tells us that the world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka's army of curious Oompa-Loompas. It’s a heartwarming tale of friendship, family, and the power of dreams, reminding us that anything is possible. Prepare to be dazzled by the melodies, dance, and stagecraft that bring this extraordinary theatrical experience to life.

Returning to the helm of this summer’s production is Joel Fenster, with musical director Benjamin Doyle and choreographer Alexandra Cahr completing the directing team. Scenic and projection designs are by Peter Barbieri, Jr, lighting design by Ellie Mallardi and costume design by Megan Latte Morello.

“I started out in programs like our Summer Youth Theatre, (SYT), so I feel very strongly about providing opportunities like this for the young artists in our community,” said Ursone. Curtain Call education director and producer for this show, Brian Bianco, participated in SYT for many years and is proud to continue the tradition of nurturing young artists.

The cast features Willy Wonka Andrew Meli as Willy Wonka, Kyle Mieczakowski as Charlie Bucket, Luke Weidner as Grandpa Joe, Henry Woods as Augustus Gloop, Ava Sanchez as Mrs. Gloop, Sophia Baloutch as Veruca Salt, Eli Donahue as Mr. Salt, Emilia Oliver as Violet Beauregarde, James Kolman as Mr. Beauregarde, Liam Cosgrave as Mike Teavee, Katherine Curry as Mrs. Teavee, Alexa Garron as Mrs. Bucket, Leia Potenza as Grandma Josephine, Paul Ferris as Grandpa George, Bevin Maher as Grandma Georgina, Grace Mora as Mrs. Green, Tristan Kozlowski as Jerry, and Marley Bramble as Cherry.

The ensemble, playing multiple roles throughout the show, includes Rhodamiel Agulay, Olivia Amaya, Izzy Anderson, Linus Bartels, Lara Battikha, Jackson Blank, Marley Bramble, Tyson Cantave, Mia Chebeir, Sophia Chu, Addison Clear, Emily Conetta, Lucas Cosgrave, Alessia D'Ambrosio, Mila Ganatra, Bailey Haberli, Wells Hartley, Hadley Herlihy, Hillary Ho, Ian Greenman, Piya Kumar, Sophia Kularatne, Savannah LaJoie, Elizabeth (Laila) Lear, Grace Lombardo, Ailynn Lutz, Lily Maher, Alexander Patel, Maeve Persaud, Leia Potenza, Zayden Ranganathan, Zuko Ranganathan, Sadie Reynolds, Luna Russo, Angelina Sherwood, Juliette Sherwood, Poppy Sisko, Jeremy Sliss, Gabby Vasile, Daece Vasseur-Sutton and Elliot Vaughn.

Tickets are available through the box office at 203-461-6358 or online at www.curtaincallinc.com. The Kweskin Theatre is located at The Sterling Farms Theatre Complex, 1349 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT. Doors open one half hour before show time.