Area students featured in ‘Willy Wonka’

Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.,” with words and music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, based on the book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl, will be performed by The Phipps Children’s Theater Feb. 12 – 28 at The Phipps Center for the Arts.

Famed and reclusive chocolate maker Willy Wonka (Max Malanaphy, Hudson) holds a worldwide contest in which those lucky enough to find one of five golden tickets in their chocolate bar win a trip to his mysterious factory. Young Charlie Bucket (Mack Ballard, River Falls), his Grandpa Joe (Sam Johnson, Hudson), and four pairs of spoiled children (Tess Babbitt, Owen Metzger, Meghan Olson, and Erin Bloomer, Hudson) and their parents (Laura Akers, Elizabeth Gagliardi, Susanne Bushman, Hudson; and Brodan Richter, River Falls) take a wild journey through the incredible factory, guided by the eccentric candy man.

The rest of the cast consists of talented area students in grades 10– 2: Chris Adam, Oakdale; Lauren Morris, River Falls; Megan Hanafee-Major, New Richmond; Kara Olson, Somerset; Maren Cullen, Zach Helman, Kelly Henderson, Carter Johnson, Kate Keller, Madeline Leines, Erin Maher, Kari Pelzel, Kelsey Robertson, Ginna Roe, Bjorn Saterbak, and Alex Schutkoske, Hudson.

Dahl’s timeless story of Willy Wonka and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation featuring the songs from the classic family film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” starring Gene Wilder. The memorable score includes “The Candy Man,” “Pure Imagination,” “Oompa Loompa,” and “I Want it Now” by Academy and Grammy award-winners Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

The play will be directed by John H. Potter, who most recently staged “Charlotte’s Web” for the center. Music director Andy Haase mounted “Beauty and the Beast” at Hudson High School last fall. Choreographer Christine Leines most recently performed in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” for Bloomington Civic Theatre.

Performances will be given on Feb. 12 - 28 on Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., as well as Sundays at 2 p.m. on the main stage.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for students 13 and older with a current ID as well as seniors, and $15 for children 4–12 years old, with a $2 discount for the opening weekend. It is not recommended for children under age 4. Reservations may be made by contacting The Phipps ticket office at (715) 386-8409 or online at www.ThePhipps.org.

For further information, contact John H. Potter, executive director, at (715) 386-2305, ext. 102, or jpotter@ThePhipps.org.

Tags: arts and etertainment, lifestyle