Genesius Theatre presents Roald Dahl’s ‘Willy Wonka’

Genesius Theatre, in association with The Conrad Weiser High School PTO, presents Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka,” which features 85 talented kids, teens and young adults ages six to 22 years old from a cross section of Berks, Lehigh Valley and Lancaster County schools and colleges. The production will be presented July 8 and 9 in the Conrad Weiser High School Auditorium, 44 Big Spring Road, Robesonia.

Based on Gene Wilder’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971), the musical, “Willy Wonka” brings the story to the stage, including favorites such as “Pure Imagination” and “Candy Man,” as well as new songs from Leslie Bricusse (who composed the film). Originally intended to help promote the newly formed Willy Wonka’s Candy Company, the movie, adapted from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, became a cult classic and has gone on to become one of the most beloved titles in the history of children’s cinema.

The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder and new songs by Leslie Bricusse (“Jekyll & Hyde,” “Doctor Dolittle”) and the late Anthony Newley, Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth. This is a GRated production great for the family.

Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding five golden tickets in five of his scrumptious 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 who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory - or suffer the consequences. Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” will take audiences on a fantasy ride into the land of pure imagination!

The “Willy Wonka” Lead Cast includes: Ryan Cunningham ( Willy Wonka), Michael Confalone (Candy Man), Andrew Granus (Phi-

PHOTO BY KATHI CHRISTIE

(L to R) James Kauffman as Charlie Bucket holding the famous Golden Ticket and Grandpa Joe portrayed by Tyler Ravert

neous Trout), James Kauffman (Charlie Bucket), Caroline McCormick ( Mrs. Bucket), Drew Snyder ( Mr. Bucket), Jenny Jacobs (Grandma Josephine), Mackenzie Siegel (Grandma Georgina), Matt Duong (Grandpa George), Tyler Ravert (Grandpa Joe), and local kids, Anthony Natale (James), Mikaela Christie (Matilda), Emma Devlin (Sophie), Jeremy Weaver (Danny) and Julia Weaver (Billie).

This is Genesius’s fourth season partnering with the Conrad Weiser High School PTO to present a summer production. Past productions include: “Seussical,” “Aida” and last season’s, “Cats!” Hope O’Pake is back yet again to direct and produce. Ms. O’Pake is the director of the Conrad Weiser High School Spring Musical for a decade now. Other Creative team members include: Andrew Cusano (music director), Amanda Guistwite (choreographer), Rod Snyder (set designer), Jessie Alexander (scenic artist) and Jeff Cusano of Arethusa Designs (tech director).

Genesius is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. The Genesius 2016 Season is sponsored by Sandy Solmon and Doug Messinger of Sweet Street Desserts! Genesius Theatre is located at 153 North 10th Street, in Reading.

Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” opens Friday, July 8 at 7 p.m., with two additional performances on Saturday, July 9 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are available online at GenesiusDifference.org or at the door.

Conrad Weiser is handicapped accessible and there is free parking. For more information, call the theater at 610-371-8151.