Audience members are invited this weekend to take a tour through Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory and enjoy the fantastical experience through the eyes of Charlie Buck and his fellow cast members of Roald Dahl’s musical.
The Bellefontaine High School Music Department presents Willy Wonka at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8, at the BHS auditorium, with split roles for some of the main cast members.
A Meet and Greet event also is planned featuring the cast from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the BHS cafeteria. Guests are asked to enter at the doors near the school spirit rock. Photo opportunities with the cast, a candy bar and crafts and games will be available. There is a $2 admission to benefit the school’s choral department.
The musical is based on Dahl’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with words and music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.
Tickets for the musical are $8 each and are available by calling 592-2620, or at http://bellefontaineathletics.com/bhs-ticket-box-office/.
Principal cast members include: Willy Wonka, played by Riley Suman for Friday’s performance, and Quinton Bible for Saturday’s performance; Candy Man, played by Will Patterson; and Phineous Trout, played by Ben Sailors.
Charlie Bucket is played by Palmer Neeld Friday and Corbin Baker Saturday; and other members of his family include Mrs. Bucket, played by Megan Beaverson; Mr. Bucket, played by Markus Brugler; Grandma Josephine, played by Jordan Butler; Grandma Georgina, played by Madi Wilt; Grandpa George, played by Evan Kauffman; Grandpa Joe, played by Sam Brown;
Fellow prize winners who accompany him through the chocolate factory include Augustus Gloop, played by Gage Crouch Friday and Nate Wallace Saturday; Mrs. Gloop, played by Miriam Irick; Veruca Salt, played by Maria Stolly; Mr. Salt, played by Connor Skidmore; Mike Teavee, played by Tony Miele Friday and Elijah Merrin Saturday; Ms. Teavee, played by Laney Mitchell; Violet Beauregarde, played by Anastasia Hiatt Friday and Caitlyn Neill Saturday; and Mrs. Beauregarde, played by Addy Hankins.
Oompa-loompas are played by Sophie Adelsberger, Lily Turner, Gabe Foreman, Gracie Middaugh and Brooke Miranda. Other characters include James, played by Malcolm DeSouza; Matilda, played by Stevie Angel; Sophie, played by Emma Middaugh; Danny, played by Sam Moreland; Alfie, played by Maggie Howard; Billie, played by Ally Barker; and additional kids Skyla Wilgus, Joslyn Robinson, Mollie Smith.