'Willy Wonka' is the Ticket at Hartford Children's Theatre

Timothy Perry is Charlie Bucket. Photo Credit: Thomas Giroir

Marking the beginning of its 2010-2011Family Main Stage Series "Pure Imagination," Hartford Children's Theatre (HCT) announces a sweet new production of Wiliy Wonka,directed by HCT Artistic Director Ryan Ratelle with musical direction byLouise Fauteux and choreography by Keri Danner.

A scrumptious treat forthe entire family, the show opens Friday, Sept. 24, at the Carol Autorino Center for Arts and Humanities on the campus of Saint Joseph College (1678 Asylum Avenue in West Hartford) where the show will run through Sunday, Oct. 3.

Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life on the Hartford Children's Theatre stage in this delicious new musical adaptation of "Charlie and the ChocolateFactory." Willy Wonka features music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

The cast includes Christopher Cavallo as "Willy Wonka,"Nick D'Angelo as "Candy Man / Phineous Trout," Timmy Perry as "CharlieBucket," Arnie Woelfel as "Grandpa Joe," Amaris Montoya as "Mrs.Bucket," Thomas Beebe as "Augustus Gloop," Emely Larson as "Mrs. Gloop,"Emily Bordonaro as "Veruca Salt," Charles DellaRocco as "Mr. Salt," BenScanlon as "Mike Teavee," Sheri Ziccardi as "Mrs. Teavee," Hollis Longas "Violet Beauregarde" and Christina Dzenyuy as "Mrs. Beauregarde."

Featured in the ensemble are Mandy Reynolds, Nicole Rodriguez, BruceTerrill, Caleb Reynolds, Lauren Cassot, Clare Meehan, Sophie Atler,Stefan Izydorczak, Patrick Beebe, Olivia Clyne, Jerome Walker, MadisonBluth, Robbie Wilbur, Lauren Popillo, Ginny Van Zandt, Taylor Paydos andMcKayla Morrison.

Scenic Designs are by Magge Gagliardi, Costume Designs by Pam Puente, Lighting Design by Ric Lucero and Hair Design by Linda Stanhope.

The performance schedule is as follows: Friday, Sept. 24 at 7 pm; Saturday, Sept. 25 at 10 am; Sunday, Sept. 26 at 2 pm; Friday, Oct. 1 at 7 pm; Saturday, Oct. 2 at 10 am and 2 pm; Sunday, Oct. 3 at 2 pm. Student Matinee Performances will be offeredat 10 am on Wednesday, Sept. 29 and Thursday, Sept. 30. Tickets are $18 for adults, $13 for children (13 and under) and senior citizens and are available online at http://www.hartfordchildrenstheatre.org/. For more information, please call the HCT Box Office at 860-429-7970 ext. 12. Discounts are available forgroups of 15 or more.

Special events:

HCT'S FAMILY FUN DAYS - DATES & INFORMATION WILLY WONKA'S CHOCOLATE EXTRAVAGANZA Friday, Sept. 24 at 5:45 pm.

Attend the Opening Night performance and receive your very own GoldenTicket to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Extravaganza where you'll be treated to scrumptious chocolate dishes from the city of Hartford & WestHartford's finest restaurants during a delectable pre-show reception. Willy Wonka and the Oompa Loompas will be on-hand to guide you through the irresistible chocolate buffet. Meet KISS 95.7 FM DJ Prolifik as he broadcasts live from The Winifred E. Coleman Lobby. Participating restaurants include J Restaurant Bar, Wood N Tap, Salute, SugarlyCrimbles & Marquee Events and Catering.

BREAKFAST WITH WILLY WONKA Saturday, Oct. 2 at 9 am.

Guests of the factory will enjoy a scrumptious chocolate-filled breakfast with Willy Wonka and friends. Families areinvited to participate in photo opportunities with the cast and children will enjoy a "make your own candy" activity with the Oompa Loompas.