Heights Youth Theatre presents 'Willy Wonka'

Heights Youth Theatre cast members rehearse for upcoming performances of "Willy Wonka" at Wiley Middle School Auditorium.

Heights Youth Theatre (HYT) kicks off its 2013–14 season as Roald Dahl's deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner, Willy Wonka, comes to life in a new musical.

When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it's the chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets he's always dreamed of. Astonishment lies beyond the gates, as down the sugary corridors and amongst the incredible edible delights, the five lucky winners discover not everything is as sweet as it seems. A chocolate garden, an army of squirrels and the peculiar Oompa-Loompas must be believed to be seen in this spectacular new musical.

Directed by Pierre-Jacques Brault with music directed by Joanna Li, HYT's "Willy Wonka" features a talented cast of local students in grades 1–12, and professional musicians playing the lyrical score. Lead cast members include Alex Boyd (Willy Wonka), Jared Shapiro (Charlie), Gus Mahoney (Candy Man), Corey Grubar (Phineous Trout), Thomas Weil (Mr. Bucket), Sara Fedor(Mrs. Bucket), Matthew McAllister (Grandpa Joe), Lucas Spencer (Augustus Gloop), Cassandra Knaggs (Mrs. Gloop), Kevin LaMonica (Mike Teavee), Sydney Fieseler (Mrs. Teavee), Emily Kenville (Veruca Salt), Aiden McKeon (Mr. Salt), Kayla Black (Violet Beauregarde) and Christina Ciofani (Mrs. Beauregarde).

All performances will be presented at Wiley Middle School Auditorium, 2181 Miramar Blvd. in University Heights. Show dates are Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $9 for seniors and children under six (cash or checks only). The box office opens 45 minutes prior to each show. Call Ellen at 216-780-2235 for ticket and group seating information. For more details, visit www.heightsyouththeatre.org.