Roald Dahl is back! Grandview Middle School theatre will present Willy Wonka Jr. live on stage! The spirit of GMS Theatre continues to build character, explore the arts, and form friendships in an inclusive, welcoming, and fun environment. The delicious adventures of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr. is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth.

Auditions for Grades 7 and 8 will take place Wednesday, December 7, from 3 to 5 pm and Grades 5 and 6 will take place Thursday, December 8 from 3 to 5 pm. All auditions will begin in the GMS Cafeteria. A rehearsal schedule will be sent home and updated on Schoology every two weeks to allow for family scheduling. Rehearsals will be Monday - Friday, but not every character will have rehearsal each day. Actors are allowed three missed rehearsals with prior notice to the directors. Any more missed rehearsals will be reviewed by the directors and subject to removal from the cast without a refund.

The cast will be announced through Schoology on Wednesday, December 14 and rehearsals will begin Monday, January 9 at GMS. Rehearsals are from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at GMS until we move to the Westonka Performing Arts Center (PAC) in March, at that time the rehearsals will be 3:00 - 5:30 pm. When rehearsals begin at the PAC, students may ride their regular bus from GMS to the Westonka High School and walk directly over to the PAC. For those who do not regularly ride the bus after school, they may ride bus #0 from GMS to the PAC. Note to all families: Some Saturday rehearsals may be needed.

Performances are Thursday, April 13 and Friday, April 14 at 7 pm, Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 at 2 pm at the Westonka Performing Arts Center.

Produced and directed by Mary Todd Kaercher, founder and director of GMS Theatre for 28 years. Music directed by Sarah Brammer, University of Minnesota music student and alum of GMS Theatre. Choreographed by Lauren Lembke, dance degree from U of M Mankato, also GMS Theatre alum. High school students Connor Houston, Jack Hanson, and Sydney Carlin will be assisting.