Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka KIDS at Arts Center Theatre

Step into a world of pure imagination as the talented young performers of the Arts Center Theatre Children's Summer Program present Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka KIDS on Saturday, August 1, 2026, with performances at 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM.

Directed by Jodi Palmieri, with Technical Director Dr. Cindy Gomez and Technical Support Team Ron Clark and Ari Kuperman, this delightful musical brings Roald Dahl's beloved story to life through unforgettable songs, colorful characters, and plenty of magical surprises. Audiences of all ages will follow Charlie Bucket on his extraordinary journey through Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory, where imagination reigns, and anything is possible.

Willy Wonka KIDS is the second of two Arts Center Theatre Children's

Summer Theatre productions offered this summer. Each production is presented as a two-week, full-day immersive theatre workshop where young performers spend their days learning acting, singing, choreography, stage movement, teamwork, and theatrical production skills while working toward a common goal. The workshops culminate in two public performances, giving each student the opportunity to showcase their hard work and newfound confidence on stage. The first production of the summer, Seussical KIDS, was directed by Chris Dayett and delighted audiences with its colorful characters and energetic performances.

Throughout the production process, the focus has been on helping young performers grow both on and off the stage. Through character development, teamwork, and creative storytelling, each child has been encouraged to build confidence while discovering the joy of live theatre.

Director Jodi Palmieri shared her excitement about this year's production: "Working with the kids this week has been a magical, magnificent experience.

Our process focuses on building confidence, developing characters, and collaborative storytelling to ensure that each child has the opportunity to bring their own unique energy to the stage. The kids are working hard on the choreography and vocals, channeling the magical and whimsical spirit of the show to create a truly spectacular performance.

To say they have 'high energy' would be an understatement—it is more like managing a room full of bouncy balls powered by pure imagination, giggles, and enough smiles to light up the theater. It is clear that their energy and talent knows no bounds.

It has been a joy to watch these young performers bring the world of Willy Wonka KIDS to life with such enthusiasm and creativity. So come with us into a world where imagination has no limits, laughter fills the air, and every golden moment is wrapped in wonder."

This special production is the culmination of the Arts Center Theatre's Children's Summer Theatre Program, where students have spent two immersive weeks developing performance skills, building friendships, and discovering the magic of live theatre.

The talented young ACTors appearing in this production include Ava Craig, Sophia Bellini, Cassandra Rianna, Luke, Imogen Goodman-Williams, Madelyn Goodman-Williams, Amelia Morze, Stella Morze, Vivienne Tierney, Grace Ogg, Kinsley Dolan, Lola Grace, Ali Traver, Arina Ignashkina, Jackie Smid, Shailyn Duran, River Huisman, and Marco Visa-Vagner. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and creativity promise an afternoon of family-friendly entertainment that audiences won't want to miss.

The Children's Summer Programs are made possible through the generosity of community donors through the Every Child Deserves Art initiative, allowing young artists to participate free of charge and ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts.

Families, friends, and community members are invited to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of these young performers as they take audiences on a whimsical adventure filled with music, laughter, and imagination.