They're only 12, but Andrew Wilson and Jillian Curry sound like show biz veterans when they discuss their roles in El Dorado Musical Theatre's latest show. The young actors will perform their final Rising Stars Production for children ages 6 to 12 when "Willy Wonka Junior" opens Saturday at the Jill Solberg Theater in Folsom.
"This is my last time, and I want to make this fun for everyone," said Andrew, who has the lead role of Willy Wonka, the owner of a magical chocolate factory.
"I like working with all the little kids and seeing them progress," said Jillian, cast as Veruca Salt, the spoiled daughter of a wealthy nut magnate.
After this show, Jillian, a student at Marina Village School in El Dorado Hills, and Andrew, who is being home-schooled in Shingle Springs, will move on to the youth theater's Main Stage Productions.
But from now through July 12, their time will be devoted to the stage adaptation of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," which features songs from the 1971 film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."
The show is directed by Barb Galiotto of Granite Bay who returns to the El Dorado Musical Theatre after directing "Guys and Dolls" six years ago.
Galiotto said her experience as a former elementary school teacher is invaluable as a director with the local, awardwinning theater company.
"You need a background working with young children," said Galiotto. She got started in children's musical theater 20 years ago in San Jose. Galiotto sees the benefits live theater can bring to young people - such as increased confidence.
"It's not only fun, it gives them tools they can use for the rest of their lives," she said. Although she has her hands full directing nearly 80 children, the job is made easier, Galiotto said, with one of the staples of El Dorado Musical Theatre: adult volunteers.
Since it was founded in 2001, the nonprofit theater group has relied on volunteers to help sew costumes, build sets, sell tickets, supervise rehearsals, work the concession stands and perform other tasks.
"It really takes the whole village to make a show," said Tanya Bonds, the producer of "Willy Wonka Junior."
"As a parent, you have to be as into it as a child," she said.
Show staff members include choreographer Shawn Borup, vocal director Samantha Neilson and costumer Tina Wojcik.
El Dorado Musical Theatre specializes in productions featuring children ages 6 to 18 and also provides vocal, dance and acting classes through its Performing Arts Institute in El Dorado Hills.
Performances of "Willy Wonka Junior" are set for 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and July 12, 7 p.m. July 9-10 and 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. July 11.
All shows will be at Folsom High School's Jill Solberg Performing Arts Center, 1655 Iron Point Road, Folsom. To order tickets, call (916) 941-7464.
Call the Bee's Walter Yost, (916) 608-7449.
