Published: April 26, 2007 02:55 pm      

Schoolchildren will stage production at Cresson Lake Playhouse

BY RUTH RICE

RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM

The golden ticket will bring a sweet treat to all who enter when area schoolchildren perform “Willy Wonka and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at 7 p.m. Saturday and May 5 at Cresson Lake Playhouse, 279 Shapiro Road, Loretto.

Based on the children’s story by Roald Dahl, the play tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins a tour of the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory when he finds a golden ticket in his candy bar.

In addition to these two performances for the public, the cast of 34 elementary, middle and high school students from schools from Ebensburg to Altoona will be on stage for two performances a day Monday through May 4 and May 7-11 for 3,500 children from 45 schools in 11 counties, said playhouse Executive Director Elaine Mastalski.

“I look forward to the children’s theater festival,” Mastalski said.

“It’s the best time of year to see the little guys. “

Mastalski said teachers enjoy bringing classrooms of students to the intimate setting of the playhouse, where the children become a part of the production.

“It’s an out-of-classroom exercise for them,” she added.

“For some, it’s their first time to the theater, and other older students come back to write about the show, learning how to critique.”

Because of the popularity of the children’s shows, all school performances are sold out.

The more interactive school shows will include candy bars thrown out to the audience.

“Some of the schools spend the day and eat lunch, and if it rains, we eat in the theater and sit on the stage,” Mastalski said.

The story of the best chocolate maker in town is being directed by Jim Pollino of Ebensburg.

“It’s geared to first through fourth grade, but anyone can enjoy it,” Pollino said.

“The last movie on it was a little closer, but this is based entirely on the book.”

Because he is working with students from various school districts, Pollino has two casts to cut down on scheduling conflicts.

“We’re able to switch when someone has a test they can’t miss,” Pollino said.

The play will start on the outside of the factory, then when the golden ticket holders enter, the inside of the colorful factory will be revealed.

There will be background music, but no singing will be done by the young actors.

“The kids are excited,” Pollino said.

“We’ve had some good times at rehearsal.”

Tickets for the public performances will be available at the door.



Performance

What: “Willy Wonka and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

When: 7 p.m. Saturday and May 5.

Where: Cresson Lake Playhouse, 279 Shapiro Road, Loretto.

Tickets: $7 for adults and $4 for children younger than 12.

Information: 472-4333.