By Afshin Razi
There is something undeniably comforting about stepping into a theatre on a cold winter evening and being greeted by candy colors, familiar tunes, and a room full of families ready to escape into pure imagination. Roald Dahl’s Willie Wonka by Stage Right Musical Theatre Company is exactly that kind of cozy theatrical treat.
A Golden Ticket Through Theatre History
Closing out its ninth season, Stage Right’s Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is at the Williamstown Performing Arts Center, through February 8, 2026. It is based on the beloved novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the iconic 1971 film. The musical features music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley and has long been a favorite for community, professional, school and childrens’ theatres, thanks to its large ensemble, colorful characters, and built-in sense of whimsy.
The story follows young Charlie Bucket, a good-natured kid with more hope than resources, who wins a coveted golden ticket and tours the mysterious Wonka Chocolate Factory alongside a group of wildly different children. Along the way come life lessons, larger than life set pieces, and songs that many audience members instantly recognize.
Stage Right leans fully into the show’s family friendly nature. The cast includes performers of all ages, and the production embraces children both onstage and in the audience. Add in a few nostalgic songs from the film, some playful comedic quips in the script, and even a well timed fog effect, and you have the makings of a crowd pleasing winter outing.
Performers Shine Bright
Ruthie Dewald brings impressive range to Veruca Salt, effortlessly shifting from polished, entitled poise to full blown meltdown mode. It is a performance that balances comedy with precision, and she navigates those extremes seamlessly.
Lillian Reynolds is a scene stealer as Mrs. Beauregarde. With sharp comedic instincts and energetic dance moves, she crafts a wonderfully frazzled, over invested stage mom energy that feels both exaggerated and instantly recognizable. Every entrance lands with a wink, and she clearly relishes the humor baked into the role.
Naomi Sarkar, a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati, provides an emotional anchor as Mrs. Bucket. While others flash and fizz inside the factory, Sarkar grounds the story with warmth and sincerity. She carries much of the show’s emotional realism and gives Charlie’s world a believable foundation, which proves just as important as any spectacle.
Throughout, the large ensemble remains engaged and cohesive, and everyone has their moment in the spotlight.
Visions of Pure Imagination
Director Michael Yarick deserves credit for wrangling a sizable cast and keeping the story moving with clarity. Group numbers are well organized, transitions stay smooth, and the show maintains a steady pace that keeps younger audience members locked in.
The design elements add plenty of visual charm. Scenic design and lighting are by John Siedenberg. Projections are by John Siedenberg II. Props by Ben Haase and Gates Smyth proves both practical and imaginative. The team incorporates digital projections that blend naturally into the action and help transport us from the humble Bucket home to the fantastical factory. A light touch of fog adds atmosphere without overwhelming the space.
Jayna Fry’s costume design shines. Most notably, Violet Beauregarde’s expanding outfit, is a clever and playful effect that earns one of the evening’s biggest laughs.
Final Verdict
Stage Right’s Willie Wonka is a welcoming, all-ages production that celebrates community participation as much as spectacle.
It may not reinvent the chocolate bar, but it offers something just as satisfying. The show is a colorful, family friendly escape and another reminder of how local theatre continues to bring people together, one golden ticket at a time.
Get Tickets to Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka
Stage Right’s Willy Wonka runs Jan 30 – Feb 8, 2026, at the Williamstown Performing Arts Center in Williamstown, KY. Get tickets at STAGERIGHTMTC.ORG
Run Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
