LIHU‘E — Willy Wonka, Grandpa Joe, Charlie Bucket, the Grandmas, and the cast of “Willy Wonka Jr.” take the stage at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall for just three times, starting Friday.
LIHU‘E — Willy Wonka, Grandpa Joe, Charlie Bucket, the Grandmas, and the cast of “Willy Wonka Jr.” take the stage at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall for just three times, starting Friday.
The Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre Summer Stars presents the cast of 49 young people in “Willy Wonka Jr.” on Friday and Saturday starting at 7 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. The play is based on the book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl.
“Willy Wonka is almost like the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus. A larger-than-life figure who’s been around forever. Like most things that endure, it’s not only fun, but has lessons to teach — greed, envy, selfishness, and obsession will always be trumped by kindness and honesty.
“But in a world that often does not see these simple truths as clearly as we should, Charlie Bucket’s journey is informative. Less about Willy Wonka’s search for a successor, and more about proving to Charlie that he is, and always been worthy,” said Director Tom Frascatore in his director’s notes.
“This story has a parallel in Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre’s Summer Stars program. It’s iconic here on Kaua‘i, and has spent generations shepherding children through a process of discovery — discovery of their gifts, self-confidence, and above all, kindness.
“I am awed by all of these gifts, so freely and enthusiastically shared by your children, and so grateful to have been a part of this summer’s creative maelstrom. Remember the real lesson of Willy Wonka — every child is kind and worthy IF we take the time to guide them.”
Hawai‘i Children’s Theatre serves more than 300 young people each year, with more than 10,000 children and families attending HCT performances each year.
For more information, visit www.hctkauai.org.
