The Ja’Duke Center for the Performing Arts performed Willy Wonka, the beloved children’s tale adapted from Roald Dahl’s classic book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Willy Wonka was performed at the Shea Theater, 71 Ave. A, Turners Falls, MA in a brilliant stage adaptation by Director, Nick Waynelovich and Choreographer, Kimberly Waynelovich. Complete with Oompa Loompas, Veruca Salt, Augustus Gloop, Charlie Bucket, and the other characters well known from both Dahl’s book and the two film versions of the story, Willy Wonka is a scrumptious musical treat for the whole family. Performance dates were: February 14th and 20th, 2009 at 7pm and February 15th, 21st, 22nd, 2009 at 2pm. Willy Wonka was underwritten by Greenfield Savings Bank.

Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, which features the songs from the classic family film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." The memorable score features “The Candy Man”, “Pure Imagination”, “Oompa Loompa” and ”I Want it Now” by Academy® and Grammy® award winners Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

For generations, the story of Charlie Bucket’s magical journey to Willy Wonka’s amazing chocolate factory has been part of American childhoods, beginning with Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in 1964, then through the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, which starred Gene Wilder in the title role and introduced unforgettable songs such as “The Candy Man” and “I Want It Now!” The story’s enduring popularity prompted a second film version, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, in 2005, directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp.

Thank you for joining  Ja’Duke for this favorite family musical guaranteed to warm your heart on a cold winters night.