For fans of Roald Dahl and his delightfully deranged children's books, the impending release of the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory adaptation by Tim Burton and Johnny Depp in three weeks isn't coming soon enough. Though the 1971 Gene Wilder film stands on its own as a classic, the new adaptation promises close adherence to the book. One example of this is the restoration of squirrels (instead of geese) as the creature du jour for Veruca Salt's culminating tantrum. Another is the name of the film itself, mirroring the book. Indeed, a clip included in the trailer suggests that the film hopefully sets up the sequel, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator.

Two weeks ago, David Medaris reported on a promotion for the upcoming film at twee & luliloo, purveyors of "ooey, chocolate, gooey, chewy, yummy…"

twee & luliloo is randomly placing a number of Golden Tickets into chocolate bars sold there. These tickets are redeemable for a free pass to the movie at Eastgate and Point, when it opens on July 15. This candyarium was founded by a trio who "noticed a lack of sweet shops area," who subsequently "ventured into the candy business with their sweet tooth to guide them." One of the owners, Agape Hammond, spoke with Dane101 this evening about the promotion.

Medaris asked;

The interview with Hammond is below the fold.

Dane101: What's you're relationship with twee & luliloo?

Hammond: I am one of them. I have two other partners; one is my husband and one is my sister.

Dane101: Can you tell me about this Golden Ticket promotion?

Hammond: The golden tickets are in reference to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and what we're doing is putting a golden ticket in an assortment of chocolate bars. If you find one, you can redeem it for a free ticket to go to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Dane101: How was this set up?

Hammond: We have a really good advertising director, who actually happens to be my sister, one of the partners. She does all of our marketing and PR. The movie was coming out and she just had this brainstorm. She asked, why don't we do it? She ran with it, and started putting up posters, and bought the tickets and all that kind of fun stuff. We're working with the theater, and we have a poster set up at the Marcus Theaters announcing the event and the prizes.

Dane101: This is at Eastgate and Point?

Hammond: You can use them either one.

Dane101: How long is this promotion running for?

Hammond: The movie opens July 15, and we'll probably run until we sell out of tickets. Two weeks into the movie, I guess, would probably be a good bet. So July 25, July 30, or so.

Dane101: How many tickets do you have?

Hammond: That's kind of a secret, but it won't be too hard to get them.

Dane101: How are things going with the State Street construction?

Hammond: Well, we're the only ones who have this pretty little bomb shelter thing around our door. People think we're closed or remodeling, so it's kind of been not so good. But we'll get through it.

Dane101: Have you thought about selling the Wonka chocolate bars here?

Hammond: I'm not adverse to selling anything in the future. People love chocolate, so I might as well. But, for this event, we chose some of our favorites that we already carry in the store.

Dane101: What are your thoughts on the book, original movie, or new movie?

Hammond: I have always been a huge fan, and owning a candy store is a dream come true. This whole thing is part of our mental attitude on twee & luliloo. We love candy, and we love movies, and we put it all together for fun. I'm excited about it.

The display of chocolate bars with the Golden Tickets sits on the far end of the main counter, to the right of the register.