‘Willy Wonka Jr.’ debuts tomorrow night

‘Willy Wonka Jr.’ debuts tomorrow night

Crittenden Youth Theatre, DeltaARTS partner with sponsors State Rep.

Deborah and Dr. Scott Ferguson to bring beloved Roald Dahl story to life

DeltaARTS Join the young actors of DeltaARTS’ Crittenden Youth Theatre for Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR., the timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir. Performances are Friday, November 16, and Saturday, November 17, at 7:00 p.m., at the Academies of West Memphis Performing Arts Center, 501 W. Broadway in West Memphis (the northwest corner of the campus at Pearce and W. Oliver). Generously sponsored by State Rep.

Deborah and Dr. Scott Ferguson, this show is a golden ticket to adventure! Directed by Emma Crystal, and with musical direction by Donia Wade, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR. follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka (played by Ethan Kaiser) as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars.

Whomever 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, but the fifth is a likeable youngster named Charlie Bucket (played by Ruthie Elliott), who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather (played by Jordan Evans).

The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory — or suffer the consequences.

Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR.

is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth. Tickets are $10 for Adults and $5 for children, and may be purchased now at www.deltaarts.org/ wonka.

Sponsored by Evolve Bank & Trust, the Crittenden Youth Theatre program is open to children in kindergarten through twelfth grade, and offers kids the chance to learn acting and singing from professional directors.

Each show will have auditions, but all children will be cast. Follow DeltaARTS on Facebook or Instagram to be aware of upcoming auditions.

From Kelly Pouncey