This is a past event.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Phone: 813-274-8211
Price: Free.
tampagov.net
One of the best family films, 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is clever, candy-colored entertainment with a smirk across its face and whimsy in its heart — much like Gene Wilder in the title role of the confectioner with a penchant for literary quotations. Wilder, who infuses the eccentric entrepreneur with sarcasm, magnanimity and warmth, leads a top-notch cast that includes Oscar-winner Jack Albertson as Grandpa Joe and Peter Ostrum (in his only film role) as Charlie, the endearing young lad who longs to be one of the five people that will win a tour of the legendary chocolate factory. Indelibly rendered children who join Charlie include Mike Teevee, Violet Beauregarde, Augustus Gloop and the impetuous Veruca Salt. Their unsavory habits provide the topics of songs sung by the diminutive, orange-faced Oompa Loompas, who keep the factory humming along and provide chorus-like commentary. The icing on this cake are the classic songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, including "The Candyman,” “Pure Imagination” and my own personal favorite, “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket.” The Screen on the Green Downtown Movie Series offers the scrumdiddlyumptious entertainment at Curtis Hixon Park this Friday at dusk. Food will be available for sale at the event, and you may bring your own snacks. (Text by Anthony Salveggi)
