"We chose to stage 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' because it offers a range of fun roles for various ages and allows us to showcase the incredible talent of our students," said Carrie Alexander Spina of New Direction. "This story is not only hilarious but also deeply heartfelt, providing a perfect blend for both performers and audiences."
"The new score of this production, which includes a variety of musical genres such as pop, hip-hop, classical, and traditional musical theatre, has been a hit with our students," she said. "… The enthusiasm in our rehearsals is palpable, and we believe the audience will love seeing this beloved story told in a fresh, exciting way."
The production, part of New Direction's summer performing arts camp, includes a cast of 30 children ages 10 and older. Roles include Danny Armstrong as Willy Wonka and Azariah "Azzy" Beltz as Charlie Bucket.
"Unlike many youth programs, we produce full-scale productions, not junior shows, challenging our students to deliver high-quality performances," Alexander Spina said.
Students are from throughout Stark County, as well as Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools. The production is directed by Alexander Spina, with music direction by Emily Roh and choreography by Katy Russell.
2. Country Rock Festival in Canal Fulton
A Country Rock Festival will run 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday at St. Helena Amphitheater, 123 Tuscarawas St. NW in Canal Fulton.
Southern Roots, a Southern rock tribute band, will perform 2-4 p.m.; Whiskey Loco , a modern and classic country tribute band, performs 5-7 p.m.; and Mister Breeze , a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute, headlines the event 8-10:15 p.m.
A karaoke contest will be 4-5 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. for ages 14 and older.
Attendees should bring chairs. Admission is free. Food and alcohol will be for sale.
Parking costs $15 at St. Helena Heritage Park. Coolers will not be permitted. Bounce houses will be available for children at a cost of $10.
3. Vinyl Revival record swap in downtown Canton
A Vinyl Revival record swap will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at The Auricle in downtown Canton.
Erie St Vinyl in Massillon and Quonset Hut in Canton are presenting the Record Swap and Shop in partnership with The Auricle, 201 Cleveland Ave. NW.
This marks the third time for the event, which has more than a dozen vendors. Attendees both can shop and sell records. Quonset Hut will be bringing new records, as well as freshly cleaned used records that haven't been in the store before, said Matt Hisrich of Quonset Hut.
Erie St Vinyl will put all of its used vinyl records for sale at 50 % off, said shop owner Sam Heaton. While a few new releases will be available, Heaton said she's mostly focusing on liquidating her current stock to refresh the used vinyl section in August.
Heaton said she also will be spinning some vinyl records at the event. The Auricle's bar also will be serving drinks.
4. Blues rocker Anthony Gomes in Canton
Acclaimed blues rocker Anthony Gomes will be in concert Friday at The Auricle Venue + Bar in downtown Canton.
Doors open one hour before the 8 p.m. show at the venue, 201 Cleveland Ave. NW.
The band has been opening for the Grammy-nominated and platinum record-selling Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, including a recent concert at MGM Northfield Park in Summit County. Following the Stark County show, The Vindys will continue touring with the '80s music star Benatar, with concerts in Indianapolis, Denver, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
Featuring powerhouse vocalist Jackie Popovec, The Vindys have performed in Stark County previously, including at the Jackson Amphitheater, Stark Pride Festival at Centennial Plaza and with the Canton Symphony Orchestra.
Original music includes The Vindys' sophomore album, "Bugs." Earlier this month, the Youngstown area-based band released a new single, "Elton John Glasses Baby," a catchy, upbeat pop rock song, as well as an accompanying video.
General admission tickets (lawn seating) cost $15. Reserved tickets closer to the stage are sold out. The concert starts at 7 p.m.; the amphitheater opens at 5 p.m. The Plain Township Amphitheater is at 2600 Easton St. NE.
A Sonny and Cher tribute show will be 6:30 p.m. Saturday at La Pizzaria in Jackson Township.
The show also includes dinner. Featuring both music and comedy, the performance starts at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets, $45 and $55 VIP, can be purchased online through https://www.eventbrite.com/ or by calling the box office at 330-327-2087. La Pizzaria is at 3656 Dressler Road NW.
Local and area farmers, bakers, vendors and artisans will be selling their goods, including vegetables, fruits, meats, bread, honey, plants and flowers. Food trucks, children's activities and live music also will be featured.
The market has a new location this summer at 340 Fourth St. NW.
8. Alliance summer concert series
The Downtown Summer Concert Series in Alliance, "Rockin' at the Caboose ," continues Friday with 52nd Street & Captain Fantastic. The group is a tribute to Billy Joel (52nd Street) and Elton John (Captain Fantastic).
The free concert is 6-8 p.m. at the Alliance Caboose Stage, an old rail car in a parking lot between East Main Street and East Market Street (238 E. Market St.) in downtown Alliance .
9. Shakespeare at the Castle in Alliance
The University of Mount Union's annual Shakespeare performance will open this weekend and continue into early August, during the Greater Alliance Carnation Festival.
"Romeo and Juliet" will be staged at 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and Aug. 1-4 at the historic Glamorgan Castle , 200 Glamorgan St., Alliance. Last year marked the 10th anniversary of the annual Shakespeare at the Castle production.
Ticket prices range from $12 to $25, depending on whether tickets are general admission or for the bleachers and whether tickets are purchased in advance or on the day of the show. Students also receive a discount. Children under age 6 can attend for free but still require a ticket.
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