Still More Theater Saturday - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 55th Anniversary

We received complimentary tickets to attend a 55th Anniversary screening of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Where: Movie Theaters Nationwide

When: This event took place on August 2 & 5, 2026

This year marks the 55th anniversary of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the cherished original movie based on the classic children's book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. Since its debut in 1971,  numerous other variations of the story have appeared, including a movie remake (without the fun songs) and a terrifying Broadway musical. There has even been a movie prequel.

However, no other incarnation of the story has ever been as beloved as the original. It introduced us to songs like "The Candy Man", "Pure Imagination", and several different versions of "The Oompa Loompa Song," among other things. It may not have made Gene Wilder a star; his career was already on the rise, as he'd already made The Producers, among other things. However, it definitely introduced him to new audiences since he'd never done a family film before. 

Surprisingly, as is often the case with movies that later become beloved classics, the movie wasn't a hit upon its first release. In fact, it was considered a box office flop, making little money and drawing small audiences. However, after repeated TV airings and the release of the home video, its popularity soared until it became as loved as it is today. 

And that's our view. To find out about other upcoming Fathom Entertainment events or to purchase tickets, visit www.fathomentertainment.com.

Tune in tomorrow for this week's Sunday Scoop. 

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Theater Thursday: The House of the Negro Insane

We received complimentary tickets to  The House of the Negro Insane for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: The House of the Negro Insane

Where: 59E59 Theatres

             59 E. 59 St.

             New York, NY 

Who: Recommended for Ages 16 and Up 

When: Through September 6, 2026

The House of the Negro Insane shines a light on a shameful part of America's past that not many people are likely to know about. It tells of a time when facilities allegedly built to house African Americans with mental issues, were also used as dumping grounds for those who were poor and oppressed. These places were not just for adults either. Children were placed there as well.

 

However, despite the darkness of the subject matter, it is really a show about resilience.  Attius, stoically played by Benjamin C. Rowe, is a man resigned to his fate. He just wants to get by as best he can under the circumstances forced upon him. Effie Luttrell, as played by Wadiah Waliah, is a woman who hasn't lost her fire. She won't just accept her fate. When young Madeline arrives, everything changes, and for Effie and gradually for Attius, it becomes all about saving this child. 

Sidney Hatcher plays Madeline without an ounce of precociousness or worldliness. Her innocence and naivety serve to underscore the pathos of her story. It may seem that if a child could be placed in this sorrowful situation, then there's no hope. Yet, it is precisely this child's fate that spurs these two adults into action and creates hope. 

And that's our view. For more information about The House of the Negro Insane or to purchase tickets, go to www.59e59.org/shows/show-detail/the-house-of-the-negro-insane

Tune in Saturday for Still More Theater Saturday.

Photo credits:

All The House of the Negro Insane production photos by Steven Anderson;

Images used in this post were sent by publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used with permission. Address concerns regarding image usage here.

Where-To-Go Wednesday - Self-Made: A Century of Inventing Artists

What: Self-Made: A Century of Inventing Artists 

Where: American Folk Art Museum

             2 Lincoln Square

             New York, NY

Who: All ages

When: Through September 13, 2026 

Self-Made: A Century of Inventing Artist examines how untrained artists have depicted themselves in their work. The exhibit features the work of 60 different artists. They include Nicole Appel, Joe Coleman, Mark Hogencamp and Sister Gertrude Morgan to name just a few. 

The exhibits is divided into three sections. In the Self Portraits section artists place themselves in their work. In the Alter Ego section the artists may be presented in a less realistic way. In Autobigraphy artists present themsleves in their own distinctive ways.

And that's our view.  There is no fee to visit the American Folk Art Museum. For more about this exhibit or the museum in general, visit folkartmuseum.org/exhibitions/self-made

Tune in tomorrow for Theater Thursday.

All pictures used in this post are our own.   Address any concerns regarding image usage here.