The wildly imaginative tale of the world's most famous candy man comes to life onstage beginning tonight at Chicago Street Theatre in Valparaiso.

"Willy Wonka" is a musical stage adaption of the classic Roald Dahl book "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory." Becky Fox, who is co-directing the production with Stephanie Naumoff, said it's the based on the Broadway version done in 2005 in the spirit of the 1974 film starring Gene Wilder sans the weirdness of the recent remake featuring Johnny Depp.

"It's set very contemporary and we are going with a theatrical presentation," Fox said. "It's very imagined, very creative and out of the box."

The musical features new songs and familiar ones like "Cheer Up Charlie," "I've Got a Golden Ticket," and "Oompa Loompa."

While the story is unrealistic, it's one with many great lessons for children, Fox said.

"It's very family friendly and there's plenty of action for little kids to stay engaged with," she said. "Kids of all ages will definitely appreciate the lessons in the show."

This particular version of "Willy Wonka" features an all-adult cast of 16. Fox said the actors, who hail from throughout Northwest Indiana, are impressive in their portrayal of the children in the story

"So many of them have wanted to play these roles since they were children and they never thought they'd get the opportunity," Fox said. "I think it's going to be a fantastic show."

Portraying the candy wizard himself is Jerry Jascoviak, of Merrillville. The veteran of local theater said he grew up on the Wilder version, saw the Depp version and is very familiar with the story.

"It has a good message," Jascoviak said. "The new, modernized version brings out more morals and it brings the fun. It's a group of older people being kids again which goes with the whole concept that you're only as old as you feel."

Cast members include Mateo Garcia as Charlie, Claudia Capuano as Veruca Salt, Daniel Morrison as Grandpa Joe and Tom Knoezer as Augustus Gloop.

 

'Willy Wonka,' presented at 7 p.m. Nov. 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, Dec. 3, 4, 5 and 7; 2:30 p.m. Nov. 21, 22, 28, 29, Dec. 5 and 6

WHERE: Chicago Street Theatre, 154 W. Chicago St., Valparaiso

COST: Adults $18; seniors and students $15; military and veterans, $15 -- Group rates available.

FYI: (219) 464-1636; CHICAGOSTREET.ORG