Youth theater group to present musical

0
41

BEACON FALLS — The Beacon Falls Youth Theater Group will present its rendition of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Kids” this weekend.

The musical is based on the book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl. The book was adapted for stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy McDonald. It follows the adventures of Charlie Bucket who wins a visit to Willy Wonka’s factory.

The theater group’s production opens Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Woodland Regional High School with an encore performance Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission is free for both shows.

The youth theater group, which was started in 2016, is co-sponsored by the Beacon Falls Public Library and the Parks and Recreation Commission.

“Our library mission is to provide all community members opportunities to learn, participate and enjoy. Helping to organize this group is just one way we fulfill that mission,” Library Director Sue Dowdell said in a press release.

“Willy Wonka Kids” will be the first musical performed by the youth theater group.

Rebecca Armstrong, who plays the part of Charlie Bucket, stated in the press release the experience “has helped me become a better actor and team player. People should come to the show because we have been working really hard, and we think people will enjoy the show.”

Vincent Messina, who is playing the part of Grandpa Joe, said working with the theater group has built his confidence and ability to memorize routines while making new friends.

Beacon Falls residents Ann Cook and Erin Moffat have co-directed the group’s shows.

“The kids have grown in countless ways in the last two years,” Moffat said in the press release. “Many of our kids are returning and we’ve welcomed several new children who just gave it a try because it sounded like fun and now believe they’ve found their niche.”