Press Release
It will be a “scrumdiddlyumptious” gathering when the five child stars from the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory reunite 40 years after the release of the now classic film at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, August 11-14. Peter Ostrum (“Charlie Bucket”), Paris Themmen (“Mike Tee Vee”), Julie Dawn Cole (“Veruca Salt”), Denise Nickerson (“Violet Beauregard”) and Michael Boellner (“Augustus Gloop”) will appear together for an extremely rare reunion, joining more than 500 celebrities and artists at the event, which will bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.
The original 1971 film, based on Roald Dahl’s book and screenplay, told the story of five children who won the opportunity to tour the fictional, world famous Wonka Chocolate Factory after finding a “golden ticket” in packages of Wonka chocolate. The poor but extremely good-hearted Charlie is joined by the other four, whose quirks have made them among the most memorable characters ever as the film has achieved cult status. All-time greats Gene Wilder, who played the eccentric Wonka, and Jack Albertson, who portrayed Charlie’s beloved Grandpa Joe, starred in the feature roles.
“This is a truly unique opportunity to meet the five child actors who helped make Willy Wonka such a classic movie,” said Gareb Shamus, Wizard World CEO. “It is these kinds of once-in-a-lifetime events that make Wizard World shows so interesting and exciting for fans of all ages.”
The five will be among such other distinguished celebrities at Chicago Comic Con as Patrick Stewart, Bruce Campbell, Christopher Lloyd, Morena Baccarin, Felicia Day, Anthony Michael Hall, Academy Award Winner® Lou Gossett Jr. and James Marsters.
Chicago Comic Con is the seventh stop on Wizard World’s 2011 North American tour. Hours are Thursday, August 11, 5 – 9 p.m.; Friday, August 12, noon – 8 p.m.; Saturday, August 13, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, August 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworld.com/chicago.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($35 on site); four-day all-session tickets are $50 ($60 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available on a limited basis.
About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests. Wizard World also produces Wizard World Digital, an online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, and is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide.
The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.
