PSC’s “Willy Wonka” Opening on March 16

 

Photo from Potomac State College Website.

 

by Sevohn Hunter

On Friday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m., Potomac State College’s theater program will present its spring production of “Willy Wonka” at the Church-McKee Arts Center.
This production of “Willy Wonka” is based on Roald Dahl’s book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and will include all the songs from the 1971 movie. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who lives in a tiny house with his parents and grandparents. Charlie and four other children find the five golden tickets placed in Wonka Bar wrappings and win a tour of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
The cast and crew are comprised of college students and community members. The five golden ticket winners are played by middle and high school students: Elizabeth Badillo, Dylan Dolley, Brendon McCabe, Clayton Muir and Brielle Windle. The adult roles are played by community members who have participated in other productions or are parents of children participating. Willy Wonka is played by Robert Godfrey, who is a veteran of PSC productions.
Sean Beachy and Debi Beachy are the music directors for the production. Debi Beachy teaches vocals, and Sean Beachy provides accompaniment. Kimberly Rowley is a co-director who also creates and teaches all choreography.
Jordan Kline is the director the show. Kline previously directed productions in Frostburg and Cumberland, Maryland. Kline also performed in previous productions at PSC. Brian Plitnik is the producer of this production and chooses each year’s show. Plitnik said he cannot credit himself for the idea of recreating “Willy Wonka.” Rowley originally proposed the idea, and she and Plitnik agreed that “Willy Wonka” would be a great success for PSC.
Cast members shared how much they love the story of “Willy Wonka” and how eager they were to join. McCabe auditioned because he “loved the book, movie and any work by Dahl.” Windle said her dreams are coming true because she “always wanted to play the role of Veruca.”
“Willy Wonka” will be showing from March 16-18 and March 23-25. General admission tickets are $12 for children and $18 for adults. Regular VIP tickets include a backstage tour and priority seating. VIP Golden Tickets also include a chocolate reception as well as other VIP benefits. To reserve tickets, call the PSC Box Office at (304)-788-6855.