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Playhouse Youth Theatre picks up where it left off
YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Playhouse Youth Theatre was all set to open its production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” in November 2008 when financial hardships forced the Playhouse to shut its doors and cancel its season.
Pat Fagan, director of the Youth Theatre, vowed at that time that “Charlie” would be done first if the Playhouse were to reopen.
Well, the Playhouse is back, and so is the Youth Theatre, which will stage “Charlie” as its first production in more than a year.
“[‘Charlie’] was going to have its first rehearsal day when we closed,” said Fagan. “I vowed that if we came back, we’d do “Charlie” and use the original cast if they hadn’t outgrown the roles. Thankfully, none of them had.”
The Youth Theatre will present “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Playhouse. Daytime school performances also have been scheduled Dec. 2-5.
The show represents the Youth Theatre’s return to action since the Playhouse’s shutdown.
“Charlie” tells the story of young Charlie Bucket, who is one of several children chosen to tour the famous chocolate factory of the mysterious Willy Wonka. Along the way, he shares adventures with Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregard, Veruca Salt and others, as he discovers the meaning of team work, self-esteem and self-confidence.
Playwright Richard George adapted the classic children’s book by Roald Dahl for the stage.
John Pecano and Candy DiLullo are directing the Youth Theatre’s production, and Pecano also is playing Willy Wonka.
“Candy started her life in theater with Playhouse Youth Theatre, and while Johnny has directed before, this is his first time to do Youth Theatre for us,” said Fagan. “If I have my way, it won’t be the last.
“Donny Wolford, who plays Charlie, has racked up a number of roles in many theaters in the area and has gotten his dad involved, too. Both of them just completed “Ragtime” for Top Hat Productions,” continued Fagan. “Lauren Cline, who has one of the leads in ‘Charlie,’ also is rehearsing the juvenile lead in the Playhouse’s upcoming production of ‘Miracle on 34th Street.’”
Set design and technical direction is by James Lybarger. Cherie Stebner is costumer for the production, and Courtny DiLullo and Molly Galano are the choreographers. Matt Stevens serves as stage manager.
The large cast of children and adults also features Zachary Bernat, Jack Kuczek and Natalie Chambers.
After the Saturday matinee, the audience is invited to join the cast and crew for a complementary autograph party with cookies and punch.