MCCC's Kelsey Theatre Sets Summer Season

Mercer County Community College's (MCCC) Kelsey Theatre will offer something for everyone in its four theatrical offerings this summer. There's a show for family audiences, one for rock music fans, one for patrons who enjoy classic Broadway musicals, and one for those who just plain love theater and the actors who make it happen. Kelsey Theatre is located on MCCC's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.

First up is "Willy Wonka," a musical based on the famed Roald Dahl book and made into a popular 1971 film starring Gene Wilder. Presented by The Yardley Players, dates and show times are Fridays, July 1 and 8 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, July 2 and 9 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, July 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. Join Charlie Bucket as he visits Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory, accompanied by an enchanting musical score that features songs from the film and new songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors, and $16 students/children.

The Reock and Roll Revue is up next, returning to the Kelsey stage with a brand new rock 'n roll tribute, this time to Jackson Browne, one of the most influential songwriters of the last four decades. The first part of the show will present music and history from Browne's first four albums and then the group will perform his 1977 fifth album, "Running On Empty," in its entirety. There are two performances only: Saturday, July 16 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for all.

In mid-summer, theatergoers can take a cruise with Kelsey friends aboard the ocean liner S.S. American when M & M Stage presents "Anything Goes." Dates and show times for this classic Broadway musical are Fridays, July 29 and August 5 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, July 30 and August 6 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, July 31 and August 7 at 2 p.m. The show includes delightful tap numbers, campy jokes, and eminently hummable songs like De-Lovely, I Get a Kick Out of You, and Anything Goes, courtesy of the unforgettable Cole Porter. Tickets are $20 adults, $18 seniors, and $16 students/children.

Last, but by no means least, is "The Kelsey Awards," now in its sixth year, a lively mix of comedy, music and dance, plus an awards ceremony recognizing the 2015-16 season's best work. Fans can participate by voting for their favorites online. (The first round of voting is June 27 to July 2; round 2 is August 13 to 18. More information is available by visiting www.KelseyAwards.com. ) Tickets are $16 for all.

Tickets are now on sale for all shows. Current subscribers receive a 20 percent discount on summer season tickets. Free parking is available next to the theater. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333.