Whidbey Children's Theatre Presents WILLY WONKA JR, Now thru 12/22

Whidbey Children's Theatre production of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Junior opens tonight, December 7 and closes December 22.

WCT Artistic Director Rose Woods selected the beloved tale as part of a "Season of Magic and Enchantment" for 2012-2013. Incoming WCT Artistic Director Ken Martinez will direct this production.

This timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which features the songs from the classic family film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

"What is more enchanting than candy?" Martinez says, "Especially at the Holidays. And the story is so well-known and well-loved, and it's such fun to perform it with a new point of view."

The story follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding five golden tickets in five of his candy bars. Whoever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats: the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory-or suffer the consequences.

"While the show is about candy and fantasy and silly happenings," Martinez says, "it does speak to the perils of bad behavior-and the rewards of basic honesty and integrity. I think all of those ideas actually resonate with equal effect."

Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Junior features a memorable song score by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. "There is familiar music from the beloved musical movie," Martinez says, "as well as some very funny new songs created for this edition of the show. You'll hum along with the familiar songs-and leave humming the new ones as well!"

Martinez concludes, "I'm very excited about this production, and our cast is so enthusiastic and talented. There is so much in this production of Willy Wonka that will appeal to audiences of all ages."

Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr. Performances:

Fri Dec. 7 7:30pm
Sat. Dec. 8 7:30pm
Sun. Dec. 9 2:00pm
Fri. Dec. 14 7:30pm
Sat. Dec. 15 7:30pm
Sun. Dec. 16 2:00pm
Fri. Dec. 21 7:30pm
Sat. Dec. 22 2:00pm

Ticket Prices: $8 Students, $10 Seniors, $12 Adults. Box Office Phone: 306-221-2282.

Founded in 1981, Whidbey Children's Theater is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children by creating opportunities for them to discover, experience, and participate in the performing arts.

Whidbey Children's Theater is located at 222 Anthes (Porter Building) in Langley, WA. Box Office: 360.221.2282 or boxoffice.wct@gmail.com. Hours: Wednesdays: 10AM-2PM, Thursdays: 10AM-2PM and Fridays: 1PM-5PM. One hour prior to each performance showtime. For more information, visit www.whidbeychildrenstheater.org.