2nd Milford Cabinet Artilce

This artilce will be published in the Milford Cabinet next Thursday Jan 22nd


The Candy man comes to life as
Riverbend Youth Company performs Willy Wonka Junior

By Janine Leffler

The Riverbend Youth Theatre Company at the Boys and Girls Club in Milford will be performing Willy Wonka Junior. Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world-famous candy man comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. With songs from the film classic and some clever new additions, Willy Wonka Junior will delight audiences of all ages. Directed by Tom Partridge, choreographed by Bruce Williams, with music direction by Jennifer Erdody, this production includes over 58 children from Milford, Amherst, Wilton and surrounding towns.
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Director Tom Partridge stated that the show is coming along well despite the difficulty with scheduling rehearsals due to power outages and ice storms. The junior version of the play differs from the original version as it is shorter and the introduction of squirrels replaces the goose that lays the golden egg. Musical director Jennifer Erdody said the most fulfilling aspect about this show has been working with all the talented and enthusiastic young actors.

For actor Conor Sandin, who plays Mr. Bucket, the hardest part about this show has been, “Getting into character. Mr. Bucket is an unhappy character, and my main song Think Positive required some serious unhappiness.” Sandin said that the most rewarding thing for him has been “Getting the dance for Think Positive down, along with the all the singing I do in the show.”

Hailey Aiken and Nicholas Hammes, who plays Charlie and Willy Wonka, both agree that the most challenging thing for them has been learning their lines and choreography in such little time due to many cancelled rehearsals. They both think the most rewarding part is making new friends. Aiken also expressed that she likes working on the show with an energetic group of people to put on a performance that other people will enjoy.

All three actors that I interviewed said they were very excited about the upcoming performances. Conor Sandin stated that he looks forward to “Cheers and clapping! Nothing's better than a satisfied audience.” All three of them are excited about putting on a show for an audience. The show will be a colorful, energetic musical that includes lively songs and choreography.

Performances will be on Friday January 23rd at 7:30 p.m., Saturday January 24th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday January 25th at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Group rates available.