By Sharanne Calabrese

For the Herald

The script has been cast and rehearsals are well under way for the first of Brave Community Theatre of Spring Valley 2011 summer theatrical offerings. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” will be offered at part of festivities over the 4th of July weekend.

Charlie, a family pleasing favorite, is a children’s play by Richard R. George adapted from the fantasy by Roald Dahl. Two big screen adaptations have familiarized generations with the ordinary boy who acquires a golden ticket to an extraordinary adventure. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is sheer entertainment with a moral to its storyline.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is directed by one of BCT’s rising young directors, Dani Vogel. Dani was been active in theatre since she was a child. While in elementary and middle school, Dani acted in plays. During high school she continued acting but also branched out into directing. As a student at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, she actively participated in theatre. After graduation from Wartburg, she has continued to pursue her passion for the performing arts. Her recent credentials include directing Kingsland One Act plays, as well as the Kingsland 2011 production of “Little Women.” Last year Dani was visibly effective as the assistant director to artistic director, Maria Kujawa, for BCT’s highly successful, “Alice in Wonderland.” Kujawa states emphatically, “Dani is a competent, energetic theatrical director who stops at nothing to get the job done — and done well. Whether she is creating sets, designing make-up, or teaching theatre foundations to children, her passion is contagious. I am still enormously impressed that she was able to take over a major role at the last minute last year — what a trooper! I have no doubt that this year’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be vastly entertaining because of her direction.” Ms. Vogel currently resides in Austin where she is the coordinator of Children and Youth Ministries at First United Methodist Church and a teaching assistant at the Wee Learning Preschool in Austin.

“Charlie and the Chocolate” Factory will be presented at the Spring Valley Community Center on Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2, at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, July 3, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children and may be purchased at the door or in advance at Sunshine Foods in Spring Valley. Contact Dani at danirae.vogel@gmail.com for additional information.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is produced by special arrangement by Dramatic Publishing..f Woodstock, Ill.