Quick Links: Calendar | Map to Performances

FREE OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES AT WASHINGTON PARK –
“ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA” – ADULT AND YOUTH CASTS!!!

Portland's nine-year tradition of offering free outdoor performances at Washington Park will continue! New Moon Productions (NMP) is partnering with Grout SUN Community School and Portland Parks & Recreation to present "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" this summer as part of the Summer Theatre Camp mentoring program. This year's show is sponsored by Ann Sacks.

The Summer Camp begins June 23rd and runs for four weeks. Youth from all over the Portland area (and beyond) gather every day (9am-3pm) to learn all aspects of theatre production while they work on a junior version of the rousing "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka". The instructors of the camp will mentor the kids in their individual roles while in the evening rehearsing an adult cast version of the same show. Students enjoy the process of rehearsal and will perform at Washington Park Amphitheatre.

This tradition of theatre, mentorship, and free outdoor performances has gone on for the last nine years. Over 450 children and teens have participated in this program and over 40,000 audience members have attended the free performances. Prior shows include "Into The Woods", "Cinderella", "Schoolhouse Rock", "Live!", "Alice in Wonderland" and last year's "Wizard of Oz".

At the beginning of camp, the young actors go through the audition process and are typically divided into 4 casts. During each camp day, they move from acting to singing to dancing classes as they rehearse the show and sharpen their skills in all areas. Each cast will perform at least twice. Dates for the youth camp cast shows this summer will be July 19, 20, 26, & 27 at Washington Park (Saturdays & Sundays 10am & 12pm,). The adult cast version performs July 10-27 at Washington Park Amphitheatre (except Mondays). Performances begin at 6:30pm and are free to the public, though donations are gratefully accepted.

New Moon Productions (NMP) moved from Texas five years ago with Artistic Director Michael Wehrli and Managing Director Pamela Stringer. In its thirteen-year history, NMP has produced over 50 plays and has had over 9,000 children come through its programs as either students or cast members. In Portland, NMP has provided drama literacy classes at Grout Elementary, Lewis Elementary and a Saturday performance class at the Multnomah Arts Center, both since winter 2003. NMP has also directed and produced the 8th grade play at Cathedral School in 2004 & 2005. In December 2003, NMP produced Wehrli’s "A Kristmus Karel" with an adult cast at the Multnomah Arts Center and a youth cast at the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center. NMP plans on more youth productions in 2008/2009 and furthering its outreach classes.

PERFORMANCES:

"Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka"

LOCATION:

DATES / TIMES:

ADMISSION:

PRESENTERS:

FOR MORE INFORMATION: