Southampton Arts Center to Screen 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' in Honor of Gene Wilder

Southampton Arts Center has announced that it will pay tribute to the late Gene Wilder with a special screening of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on Friday, September 30 at 7 p.m.

For the few that have not seen this magical film:

The world is astounded when Willy Wonka, for years a recluse in his factory, announces that five lucky people will be given a tour of his factory, revealing all of the secrets of his amazing candy, and one will even win a lifetime supply of delicious Wonka chocolate. Nobody wants the prize more than young Charlie, whose heart is as golden as the ticket he seeks, but his family is so poor that buying even one bar of chocolate is a treat, and buying enough bars to find one of the five golden tickets is near impossible. But in a world of pure imagination, magic can happen. Miraculously, Charlie does find the golden ticket, and along with four less-than angelic other children, they embark on the experience of a lifetime. Along the way, mild disasters befall each of the odious children. Does that give Charlie the chance to beat the odds and grab the brass ring? 

“Willy Wonka is such an iconic film, and we can’t think of a better selection to pay tribute to the talented Gene Wilder,” said Director of Programs Amy Kirwin in a press release. “It’s a whimsically wonderful classic that the whole family can enjoy together, and the gift that Wilder gave to so many of us will live on.”

An iconic film star, Wilder passed away on August 29 of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He is remembered for his unique humor and great characters.

Southampton Arts Center is located at 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton. For tickets and more information visit southamptonartscenter.org.