Published on Mon., April 30, 2012

Dunbar Middle School is bringing Willy Wonka to Central Virginia for the first time this May.

The Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation theatre department will present Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka from May 4–6, 2012. An 11-piece orchestra consisting of high school students, many of whom are Dunbar Alumni, will provide the accompaniment for the performers on stage. The production will include lavish sets and costumes, plus a few surprises here and there including flying effects provided by ZFX, Inc.

Timothy McDonald, one of the authors of the play, will travel from New York to attend opening night.

This stage version is based on the 1971 movie musical Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder and Jack Albertson. The show is a full two-act musical with favorite songs such as "The Candy Man," "I’ve Got a Golden Ticket," and "Pure Imagination," as well as the "Oompa-Loompa Song."

There will be two evening performances on Friday, May 4th and Saturday, May 5th at 7:00 p.m. There will also be a Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m. and a Sunday, May 6th matinee at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for the production are $5 and can be purchased at the door or online at www.LynchburgTickets.com

To keep with the Willy Wonka theme, there will be several chances to win “Golden Tickets” with prizes at the show.

DMS Willy Wonka Cast

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