This spring’s Royal Kids Theatre musical takes audiences on a tour of Willy Wonka’s iconic chocolate factory.
Indulge your imagination May 1-2 in the magical and mysterious world of “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr.” Find out who can resist the chocolate factory’s temptations, win Wonka’s favor and step into the chocolatier’s shoes!
Performances are at 7 p.m. in Kids Unlimited Academy’s Kimmel Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $10 and are available at the KUA front office or online
Characters from Dahl’s children’s classic — poor but likeable Charlie Bucket, greedy Augustus Gloop, vindictive Veruca Salt, ill-mannered Violet Beauregarde, electronics-obsessed Mike Teavee and Wonka’s beloved Oompa-Loompas — are played by KUA third- through fifth-graders. A total of 41 students are involved in the show.
RKT brings these personalities to life, alongside Wonka’s confectionery creations, Golden Tickets and Fizzy Lifting Drinks, celebrated in beloved songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. RKT’s “junior” stage adaptation keeps the sweetest elements of the original tale.
“It is a well-known story that brings everyone together, reminding us that strength of character and having good virtues wins in the end,” said BriAnna Johnson, KUA music and theater teacher. “The incredible sets and memorable, funny characters are what bring so much joy and life to this production.”
Johnson — and KUA — are no strangers to “Willy Wonka Jr,” which headlined in 2017 at the public charter school. Three original cast members are working as school support staff nine years later. Instructional aide Dulce Sanchez is assistant director, and Afterschool assistant Melissa Torres works backstage with RKT’s tech crew. Isabella Walters, cast in 2017 as Willy Wonka, also works in KU Afterschool.
“Having past students return to KUA and seeing how they’ve grown into valuable members of our school community and RKT means so much to me, and I am so proud and happy to get to work with them,” said Johnson.
“I was inspired to do ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’ again because it is a show that gives many students an opportunity to shine on stage.”
An all-school preview is scheduled for the afternoon of May 1. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for RKT’s evening performances.
