So shines a good deed in a weary world … Museum shows “Willy Wonka” Sept. 28

For immediate release ‐ September 18, 2018

Contact: Jon Pishney, 919.707.8083. Images available upon request

Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder)

(RALEIGH, N.C.) —  What do you get from a glut of TV? A pain in the neck and an IQ of three. Why don’t you try simply reading a book? Or could you just not bear to look? You’ll get no … you’ll get no … you’ll get no … you’ll get no … you’ll get no commercials when the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences shows “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” on the big screen Friday, September 28 at 7 p.m.

In “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971, G), impoverished Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) delivers newspapers to support his family, but dreams of enjoying candy and chocolate like other children. Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder), a mysterious candy maker, announces that five lucky winners will be invited on a grand tour of the wondrous, wacky Wonka factory. Little do they know that they also have a chance for an even grander prize — if they can resist temptation.

Based on the 1964 novel by Roald Dahl, the film is considered a classic fantasy tale and often listed as one of the 50 best cult classic movies of all time. It was even selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”

Prior to the movie, beginning at 5:30, check out movie-themed science stations to learn everything you ever wanted to know about the science of candy, chocolate and much more. Special guest Danielle Centeno, co-owner of Escazu Chocolates, will help separate the facts from the sticky fiction following the screening.

Finally Friday movie nights feature the A/V Geeks’ Skip Elsheimer guiding a fun night of trivia and tongue-in-cheek commentary on popular science-themed movies as well as samples from his vault of 24,000+ short films. Movies are also complemented by experts and hands-on science stations related to each night’s theme. Dinner (such as sliders or tacos), drinks (including NC beer and wine) and popcorn will be available for purchase before the show. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., movies and presentations begin at 7 p.m. Admission: $5/person. For information or tickets, visit naturalsciences.org/calendar/finally-friday/.


The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh (11 and 121 W. Jones St.) is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world. Hours: Mon.– Sat., 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sun., noon–5 p.m. General admission is free. Visit the Museum online at www.naturalsciences.org. Emlyn Koster, PhD, Museum Director.

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