BHS Productions presents ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’

Belleville High School Productions will present the musical “Willie Wonka” in six shows starting April 15, 16, 17 and concluding April 22 and 23 at the BHS Auditorium. Two presentations are matinees.
The story by Roald Dahl is based on Gene Wilder’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971) where a world-famous candy man tries to find an heir.
BHS senior Ethan Klobucar plays the title role of Wonka. Sharing the spotlight with Klobucar are Sierra Stockwell as protagonist Charlie Bucket, Lance Bagley, Bianca Crowder, Tierra Hall, Demeatry Brooks, Brianna Powe and Adam Bracey.
Playing children who personify excess at its worst are Kamali Clora, Alyssa Schubert, Zandalee Henderson, and Gavin Schultz. Their woefully inept parents are Jonathan Damon, Kaitlyn Plummer, Danajai Davenport, and Rebecca Washington. The Candy Man is Elijah Pope and the news reporter is Natalie Pestano.
Rounding out the cast is an ensemble of talented high school Oompa-Loompas, Kenneth Franklin, Ariyel Harris, Julia Marshall, Carley Curtis, and Avery Henningburg. The townspeople and school friends of Charlie are middle school actors Julia Lind, Emmalee Hinson, Madison Lieb, Kylee Thomas, Lashawna Ogden, Kayla Williams, Shelby Butzin, Darrell Templeton, Brianna Marsh, Keionni Hicks, Taylor Hinsman, and Tiffany Staples.
Sets were created by Yvette Kashmer and Noelle Schaekel, costumes by Tam Lien Coleman, lights by Aaron Kashmer, sound design by Isabel Schaekel, and music direction by Nick Taylor.
Director is Larry Koch, assistant director Michael Gearns, and technical director Yvette Kashmer.
There are two matinee shows, one on Sunday, April 17, and one on Saturday, April 23, both at 2 p.m. and there is special pricing for students and seniors on those dates. The other shows are all at 7 p.m.
Tickets are available at the door at $10 for adults, $8 for 6th-12th grades and $6 for 5th grade and under. Or, tickets may be purchased at www.showtix4u.com or 1-866-967-8167.
BHS is at 501 W. Columbia Ave., Belleville.