Owens presents “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory”

Community members of all ages are invited to join the bilingual adventures of

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” as Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts presents the theatrical version of a timeless favorite in both spoken English and American Sign Language Sunday, March 7.

The performance, which will be held in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre at 2 p.m., is the third in the series of three Family Fun Sundays presented by Owens.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” tells the story of five lucky children winning the chance of a lifetime to tour Mr. Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory. Once inside, Charlie and the other four winners witness amazing wonders ranging from sweet-tasting wallpaper to a chocolate waterfall. The adaptation of the Sign Stage on Tour’s
theatrical production is based on the book by internationally recognized author Roald Dahl.

The production will be presented by the national touring group Sign Stage on Tour through Windwood Productions, a theatrical company comprised of deaf and hearing stage specialists. The group, which performs an array of theatrical plays worldwide in both spoken English and American Sign Language, is dedicated to presenting educational programs that integrate bilingual education with theatre.

When a character speaks on stage, it will occur in American Sign Language, however, a spoken voice will be heard at the same time. The blend of languages is intended to allow theatergoers to experience the spatial beauty of American Sign Language as the actors move their hands and bodies, as well as to follow the spoken dialogue that tells the adventurous tale of Charlie Bucket and his trip to Mr. Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

The troupe has performed in numerous venues and festivals worldwide highlighted by appearances at DeafWay II in Washington, D.C., the Eighth International Pantomime Festival of the Deaf in Brno, Czechoslovakia, and the Jerash Festival in Amman, Jordan.

Tickets for “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” are $15 and all seats are general admission. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or contact the College’s Box Office at 567-661-2787 or 1-800-GO-OWENS, ext. 2787.

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