Step into a world of pure imagination with Charlie Bucket, a boy whose dreams of finding a Golden Ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s over-the-top chocolate factory come true.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” makes its regional debut at Arizona Broadway Theatre, March 8 through April 14.
The musical will take audiences on a wild ride as Charlie and his newfound friends meet a world full of surprises, innovation, and of course, Oompa-Loompas. Adapted from Roald Dahl’s iconic children’s novel, the stage show includes music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
Arizona Broadway Theatre’s production is also directed by Anthony C. Daniel, the associate director for the national tour of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
“From the moment you walk in the doors, you will be transported into a candy land dream,” says Arizona Broadway Theatre CEO Kiel Klaphake. “The set, handmade by local artisans, the costumes, the performances, are all a feast for the eyes. We even worked with beloved local chocolatiers at Cerreta’s Candy Company to design a special “Charlie Chocolate Bar.” The customized milk chocolate candy bar is not only delicious but also a tasty souvenir from a magical night at the theatre!”
Unlike any other theatre in the Valley, Arizona Broadway Theatre provides an all-encompassing experience combining world-class dining and entertainment. For each show, a team of award-winning chefs create a customized menu. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” audiences will enjoy a meal inspired by the show, including Violet Beauregarde’s chewing gum debacle.
“We are thrilled to be the first theatre in the Valley to produce this show, which helps further our mission to bring new and exciting programming to residents across the West Valley,” says Kurtis Overby, artistic director at Arizona Broadway Theatre. “The cast for ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is remarkable and Jamie Parnell will wow audiences as Willy Wonka. He is a multifaceted individual and incredibly gifted performer who embodies the lead character like no one else could.”
In addition to Parnell, the colorful and heartwarming show features 24 cast members including many local favorites like AJ Riddle and Lucas Moran as Charlie Bucket, Hannah Bentley as Mrs. Bucket, Alyssa Armstrong as Cherry, Josey Terry as Grandma Georgina and Charlie Hall and Christopher Arellano in the ensemble.
To round out the delicious performance, Arizona Broadway Theatre mailed 400,000 prizes to select households. Many lucky winners will get a chance to live out their chocolate factory dreams with prizes like tickets to “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” free Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delight dessert treats and more. All prizes must be redeemed at the Arizona Broadway Theatre box office.
Arizona Broadway Theatre is located at 7701 W. Paradise Ln., in Peoria. For more information, visit azbroadway.org.
