ALEXANDRIA, VA-“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” turned sixty this year, and the youth actors of Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theater (MVCCT) are preparing to show you that it’s as sweet as ever. The first show in a six-show run is Friday, Nov. 15 at Bryant Alternative High School (2709 Popkins Lane).
The 1964 novel by Roald Dahl remains one of the most popular children’s stories ever told. The original movie starring Gene Wilder, which hit the big screen in 1971, remains just as treasured.. The story will come to life in Alexandria, thanks to children taking the stage to recreate Charlie Bucket’s fabulous journey through a mysterious candy factory run by the enigmatic Willy Wonka.
A cast of 44 actors, between the ages of eight and 18 ,from 27 schools across the DMV, are looking forward to each performance. Making his directorial debut for MVCCT is Andrew Scott Zimmer,
“Everyone has worked so hard since rehearsals began in September,” he said, “and we are all excited for you to see the finished product. It is such a fun show that everyone can enjoy. We have an incredibly talented cast ready and waiting to entertain you.”
Among that talented cast are brother and sister, Max and Milly Gerstenberg. Max, a West Springfield High School sophomore, plays Willy Wonka, and the younger Milly takes the role of Charlie Bucket.
Milly, who is an eighth grader at Irving Middle School in Springfield, already has experience before a live audience. Earlier this year, she was one of two girls cast as the lead in ‘Annie’ during the sell-out run at The Little Theater of Alexandria.
Milly is excited to take a bow alongside her big brother.“Because we have grown up together, we live together, we sing together, our stage chemistry is genuine,” Max said.
This production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” features songs by the Grammy and Tony-winning songwriters of “Hairspray,” Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
Get your tickets now for what promises to be the most colorful, fun-filled show in town at MVCCT.org. Remember, in the words of Willy Wonka, “A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.”
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