The delicious adventures of ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’ opens next weekend at the lodge

The Canyon Lake Community Theatre invites the community to join them in the delicious adventures of Charlie Bucket and Mr. Willy Wonka himself as they journey through Wonka’s zany chocolate factory.

Curtains rise on “Willy Wonka Jr.” in the Holiday Bay Room at the lodge on Friday, July 28, at 7 p.m. with additional shows on Saturday, July 29, at 2:00 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 30, at 3 p.m.

Reserved tickets are $18; general admission $15, students and seniors (65 and up) are $12 and $10 for children under 12. Tickets can be purchased at the POA office or by calling 951-821-6767. They also are available at the door.

Canyon Lake Community Theatre has been offering this all children’s summer production for 17 years with the help of adult and youth volunteers. Canyon Lake Community Theatre gives children the opportunity to participate in theatre arts which are currently limited in public schools. This annual show also affords high schoolers the opportunity to learn the backstage and directorial aspects of putting on a show as a number of young people who performed in past years have returned to have help put on “Willy Wonka Jr.”

“Participating in these shows each year has greatly impacted the lives of my own children” said Producer Jaimie Woodward. “My children have gained confidence and self-esteem through being a part of this amazing program.”

Directing kids’ shows since 1964, Director Ilene Moore continues to share her love of live theater, music and dance with the young people of Canyon Lake and surrounding communities.

This summer, Ilene has been assisted by Producer Heather Gotoski and Producer Jaimie Woodward. Costume Designer Heidi Nolan has worked alongside Ilene for a number of years and is working diligently to ensure that the costumes for this year’s show are scrumdidiliumptious.

“You won’t want to miss this chance to come out and show your support of these amazing kids,” said Jaimie.

The Willy Wonka Jr. cast is as follows:

Willy Wonka: Fiona Gulati and Taylor Pigeon; Charlie: Ella Gotoski and Emilia Pepe; Grandpa Joe: Jace Febo; Veruca: Jenna Daniel and Angy Mendez; Violet: Payton Albin and Emily Garvito; Mike T.V.: Alyssa Frederick and James Woodward; Augustus: Braedon LeGeyt and Ryan Stetson; Mrs. Bucket: Madison Crick and Frankie Montenegro; Grandma Josephina: Katie Woodward; Grandpa John: Ryker Baloun; Uncle George: Holden Baloun; Mr. Salt: Luke Schlabach; Mrs. Beauregarde: Hannah Goering; Ms. T.V.: Meikiah Svendsen; Mrs. Gloop: Madeline Tucker; Candy Man: Austin Back and Alex Gulati; Phineous Trout: Dylan Barnum and Reiley Reichman; Oompa Loompas/Featured Dancers: Austin Back, Scarlett Buffington, Alyssa Frederick, Alena Gilbas, Tanner Gray; Paxon Hermann, Sean Rounsefell, and Brooklynn Whitmore; James: Matthew Thomas and Luke Thomas; Matilda: Katie Coleman, Savannah Coleman, Aaliyah Lopez, and Madison Morgan; Squirrels: Ariana Buffington, Zoey Carrol, Alex Gulati, Avery Hayner, Delaney Hermann, Gavin LeGeyt, Aaliyah Lopez, Madison Morgan, Ramsey Reichman, Harper Thompson, Everlee Vanderboom; Candy Kids: Payton Albin, Dylan Barnum, Ariana Buffington, Zoey Carrol, Katie Coleman, Nathan Coleman, Savannah Coleman, Josh Corns, Madison Crick, Jenna Daniel, Ella Gotoski, Avery Hayner, Delaney Hermann, Braedon LeGeyt, Gavin LeGeyt, Aaliyah Lopez, Angy Mendez, Frankie Montenegro, Madison Morgan, Emilia Pepe, Ramsey Reichman, Reiley Reichman, Luke Schlabach, Luke Thomas, Matthew Thomas, Harper Thompson, Madeline Tucker, James Woodward, and Everlee Vanderboom.