By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
The Upstagers theater group will be bringing laughs and smiles this weekend with its stage adaptation of “Willy Wonka Jr.”
The group’s first stage production of 2025 will be held at the Red Oak Ballroom in the Del Rio Civic Center, 1915 Veterans Blvd. The performances will start at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 7 and 8.
The musical is based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory written by Roald Dahl, with inspirations taken from the 1971 movie adaptation starring Gene Wilder.
Molly Harman, director, said the Upstagers held auditions early in December 2024, and they have been rehearsing for the past two months.
Harman said rehearsals have been good, and she also mentioned
pose for a picture with their golden tickets during Tuesday’s rehearsal of the Upstagers’
production of Willy Wonka Jr. The actors will be starring as the golden ticket winners in the
musical, along with Guerra playing the lead, Charlie Bucket. (Photo by Louis Zylka)
several of the students performing this weekend have been in multiple musicals with the Upstagers since its stage production of “Seussical Jr. the Musical” five years ago, in which Harman was also involved.
“It is going to be interesting to see how (the children) have grown and how they have become confident being up there (on stage) and doing things. That to me is what (these performances) are all about; it’s about them learning about the theater, performing and everything that goes into a play,” Harman said.
The story focuses on a famous chocolate factory and its candy manufacturer, Willy Wonka, as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five candy bars. Whoever has a ticket will get a free tour of his factory, and the story’s lead, Charlie Bucket, becomes one of the five lucky winners.
The musical features an all-children’s cast with 40 young actors ranging from ages six- to 18-years-old. Willy Wonka will be played by Bella Marro, and Charlie Bucket will be played by Yorley Guerra.
The play will run for an hour-and-a-half with a 15 minute intermission. Prices will be $10 for adults and $5 for students, and children under five are free to enter.
Harmon also informs people the play will include scenes with flashing lights not suitable for some audience members.
