West Bend, WI – West Bend Children’s Theatre celebrates its 90th anniversary with some golden-ticket magic as it presents the chocolaty goodness of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka.
Follow along as the living-on-a-thin-dime Bucket family enjoys cabbage soup and passes the day watching young Charlie and his quest to win a golden ticket to receive an exclusive tour of the Wonka Chocolate Factory.
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Directed by Lindsey VanderWielen and Nick Theisen the young cast brings the show to life with bright costumes, nostalgic songs and the fanciful Oompa Loompas.
Click HERE and get your tickets today
Reserve you seat today to float down a chocolate river, nosh on deliciously tempting gob stoppers and experience a Fizzy Lifting Drink.
Hat tip to artistic director Sandra Barby who takes the saying to heart, “I can get a lot done with 24 hours in a day.”
“90 years! We are pulling out all the stops for this show,” said Barby. “Great people to work with and a great organization to be a part of. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Click HERE and get your tickets today
Two shows are already sold out. Performances are at the Silver Lining Arts Center at West Bend High School April 19 – 22, 2023. Tickets are sold online and at the door.
Actor Xander Frounfelker does justice to his character Charlie Bucket. A strong singing voice, he embodies a young Charlie who respects his elders and tries to “stay positive” despite the challenges of a downtrodden life. Charlie has traditional values and is rewarded in the end for his honesty; Frounfelker is genuine in his portrayal of a wide-eyed Charlie Bucket.
Alyse Lukaszewicz as Veruca Salt is truly a parent’s nightmare with a sharp, demanding tone and selfish attitude; she carries the part to perfection.
Connor Markohn wears a number of hats but his portrayal of the Candy Man is inspiring as he works to build the character of Charlie Bucket with his kindness and encouragement.
Shay Felter as Violet Beauregarde is relatable as a gum-smacking kid. Keep an eye on her for magnificent special effects along with Evan Waech who plays video obsessed Mike Teavee.
Aaron Eckert plays Mr. Bucket. “Who doesn’t like candy? It’s Willy Wonka after all. Come get your golden ticket!”
