Willy Wonka Jr. at William Paca Middle School

Mastic Beach, NY, January 12, 2018 – Enter the magical world of Roald Dahl’s candyman in the OCEAN Arts production of Willy Wonka Jr., starring the talented students of William Paca Middle School for three shows January 19-21.

Willy Wonka Jr. is based on the 1971 film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and features many of the well-loved songs and scenes, with the addition of new song and dance numbers. All the favorite characters show up including Charlie and Grandpa Joe, Augustus, Veruca, Violet and Mike, and of course plenty of Oompa Loompas!

The production team for Willy Wonka is headed up by co-producers April Franzino and Cathy Meinhold, with the addition of director Kelly DeChene, musical director Michael Drozd and choreographer Nicole Bianco. “This show brings back so many memories,” said Mrs. Franzino. “And the Paca kids really bring something special to the characters.”

This production, along with upcoming productions at William Floyd High School and William Floyd Middle School, are the result of close collaborations between OCEAN Arts, the Community Library Friends of the Arts and the William Floyd School District. “We’re so proud of the work we’ve done thus far,” said Ocean Arts artistic director Kyle Imperatore. “We have lots of great plans for the future including drama productions and children’s theater.”

Willy Wonka Jr. will be presented at William Paca Middle School, 338 Blanco Drive, Mastic Beach, on Friday, January 19 at 7 pm, Saturday January 20 at 7 pm and Sunday January 21 at 1 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance and $11 at the door. Children 2 and under are free on an adult lap. All tickets are general admission, no reserved seating. Purchase advance tickets at the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community library. Please visit www.oceanarts.org for more information on that organization.

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Photo: Zachary Formhals as Charlie Bucket and Julia Clement as Willy Wonka