Mahwah Kid Actress Set to Star in Willy Wonka

A community theater performance this weekend is giving a Mahwah starlet her chance to shine.

The Wyckoff Family YMCA is putting on performances of Willy Wonka this Thursday through Sunday. The cast is made up of local actors of all ages, and one fourth grade Mahwah actress said she is excited to tackle her largest role ever – bratty Golden Ticket finder Veruca Salt.

“I really like the character,” fourth grader Veronica Birchak told Patch. “She knows what she wants and she always gets it. She’s very spoiled, and it’s fun to play.”

Birchak has been in shows at the YMCA since she was five, and has credits that include roles in The Wizard of Oz, Annie and The Sound of Music. She also spends a lot of her time improving her craft – taking dancing and singing lessons, and writing in her spare time.

“I love theatre,” she said. “I think it’s really fun to get to make your own version of different characters.

Veruca marks Birchak’s largest role yet, and based on months of rehearsals and recent dress rehearsals, she said the show will not disappoint.

Tickets to the show are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door for adults, $15 and $20, respectively for students and seniors, and $12 and $15, respectively, for children. Get more information or order tickets at 201-891-2081, or online.

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