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Phoenix youth theater bringing ‘Willy Wonka’ to life this summer

Musical opens June 7 at Herberger

Posted 5/9/24

Valley Youth Theatre is bringing the whimsical musical Ronald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” to its stage this summer in Phoenix.

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ARTS

Phoenix youth theater bringing ‘Willy Wonka’ to life this summer

Musical opens June 7 at Herberger

Posted

Valley Youth Theatre is bringing the whimsical musical Ronald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” to its stage this summer in Phoenix.

Based on the 1971 movie, the production opens Friday, June 7, at the Herberger Theater Center, with a special preview on Thursday, June 6, exclusively for HopeKids and their families.

The cast who will bring Dahl's beloved characters to life includes youth ages 10 through 18, Julia Lane (Anthem), Avaani Lallian (Paradise Valley), Chloe Finch and Lauren Strick (Buckeye), Mahagani Carter, Donovan Denny, Colton Wilcher, Maddie Sue Miller and Aeryn Pew (Laveen), Noah Paz (Goodyear), Paige Schmella (Surprise), Davin Williams (Mesa), Dash Deusterman (Peoria), Jaden Sparkman (Tempe), Taylor Kunich, Jacob Hamond, and Zoey Davidson (Scottsdale), Kathlyn Grimwood, Claire Calihan, Kyler Tilley, Kaylah Magee, Kamden Hooper, Janaysha Garcia, Hudson Hubbell, Ellie Evans, London Cairney, Jadyn Carter, Ruby Crogan, Quinn Kindy, Sierra Ricks, Grier Donnally, Morgan James, Lucy Glow, Riley Gerkin, Santiago Lacy, Va’Nessa Madden, James Nesbitt and Alfie Christie (Phoenix).

In addition to their performances, the cast of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” will participate in Valley Youth Theatre's summer community outreach initiative. Through Sponsor-a-Seat, VYT extends the magic of live theatre to 1,500 children from various social service agencies across the Valley.

These youngsters will not only attend a performance of “Willy Wonka” but will also have the opportunity to enjoy lunch with the cast and crew.

Residents can support the theater’s cause. A tax-deductible donation of $50 sponsors a seat and lunch for one child, enabling them to participate in this experience. By contributing to Sponsor-a-Seat, residents play a role in making the arts accessible to all, ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, can benefit from the profound impact of live theater.

“Willy Wonka” runs June 7-23 at Herberger Theater Center, in downtown Phoenix. Tickets available at vyt.com/tickets or by calling 602-252-8497.