The Landmark Theater in Port Washington opened its doors to Shining Studios and their amazing production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The theater was packed with family, friends and the community, all of which held a golden ticket to a golden show. The visuals were wonderful, and in true Willy Wonka form the audience was surrounded by candy and color. The show became interactive when an actor walked down the aisle with a candy cart and handed out candy to members of the audience as they were guided into the “world of pure imagination.”
Shining Studios is a Long Island-based theatre school and community theatre that offers a variety of cultivating programs for children, teens and adults, and subsequently created the brilliant cast of Willy Wonka. The cast of 40 talented young artists were very professional throughout the show but at the same time it was apparent they were having fun performing. Their vocal and acting skills were amazing and the actors’ performances complemented each other throughout the show.
Among his many talents, Kyle Savage, founder and director of Shining Studios, has a remarkable way of bringing out the best in his students. “This has been our biggest production to date and I think it is telling of what is to be expected next year from Shining Studios. Every day we are getting calls upon calls from new families looking to join and it’s so exciting. I’m excited to keep building up this program in Port Washington because I think the town really needs something like this,” he said.
And to his students he wrote, “Having a cast of 40 students has been the absolute best type of crazy—each and every one of you brought something different to this show and should feel very proud. You are all stars tonight! I hope as you read this, you are just as happy to have been a part of this experience as I am. Remember…reach for the stars,believe in your dreams and most importantly, Keep Shining!”
At the end of the performance there was a wonderful impromptu dance on stage and people from the audience were welcomed to join in. The show ended just as it began, joyful and fun.
Shining Studios will be presenting You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown at The Landmark on July 7, 8 and 9. For more information, email ShiningStudiosLI@gmail.com or visit the website at www.shiningstudios.org.
Willy Wonka Opens A World Of Pure Imagination
