A world famous yet mysterious candy man is about to invite five lucky children into his magical chocolate factory, where delicious adventures await.
The Yardley Players present “Willy Wonka,” a musical based on the famed Roald Dahl book, at Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theatre Fridays, July 1 and 8 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, July 2 and 9 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, July 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college’s West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on July 1.
Made into a popular 1971 film starring Gene Wilder, the “Willy Wonka” stage musical features such favorite songs as Pure Imagination and The Candy Man, along with new songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. The show is adapted for the stage by Bricusse and Tim McDonald.
The cast stars Steven Smith of Princeton Junction as Willy Wonka; Jonah Silberman of New Hope, Pa., as Charlie Bucket; Sheldon Zeff of Newtown, Pa., as Grandpa Joe; Mary Ann Wylie of Morrisville, Pa., as Grandma Josephine; Ken McCormick of Yardley, Pa., as Grandpa George; Marge Swider of Langhorne, Pa., as Grandma Georgina; Jillian Ambs of Newtown, Pa., as Mrs. Bucket; and Ron SanGiovanni of Burlington as Mr. Bucket.
Appearing in the children’s ensemble are Nicholas Benedetti of Ewing, Analisa Borg of East Windsor, Suzanne Borg of East Windsor, Evan Chartlock of Princeton Junction, Roman Engle of Hamilton, Lacie Fields of East Windsor, Carter Erickson, Ashley Gafgen of Robbinsville, Katie Greendorfer of Lambertville, Emma Lucas of Yardville, Aiden McClendon of Bensalem, Pa., Lili Meddahi of Robbinsville, Peyton Nolan of Yardville, Cody Rakow of Jacksonville, Rebekah Redlich of Hillsborough, Shreya Savur of Robbinsville, Cassandra Sexauer of Robbinsville, and Troy Vallery of Hamilton, and Daryn Wolk of Monroe Township.
The production team includes Producer Marge Swider, Director Kristy Davis, Musical Director Pat Masterson, Choreographer Laura Murey Ghaffoor, Costumer Louisa Murey and Stage Manager Patty Walsh.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for senior citizens, and $16 for students and children. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking available next to the theater.
Top row, from left, Evan Chartock, Peyton Nolan, Lili Meddahi, Steven Smith (as Willy Wonka), Emma Lucas, Casara Sexaure, and Aiden McClendon; middle row, from left, Shreya Savur, Nolah Flynn, Ashley Gafgen, and Lacie Fields; front row, from left, Tristan Davis, Troy Vallery, Rebekah Redlich, Daryn Wolk, Ivy Cordle, Cody Rakow, Nicholas Benedetti and Roman Engle (front).,
