Review by Shawn Maus
There’s pure theatrical joy happening at Stage Right Musical Theatre Company’s annual pro-am production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is exactly what winter audiences crave: warm, whimsical, and joyfully unpretentious family entertainment that’s big on heart. This is a production that understands its mission—supporting professional artists in the region while giving emerging performers a genuine, high-level theatrical experience—and it leans into that mission with confidence.
With a cast of nearly thirty performers spanning ages and experience levels, the result feels like a living storybook. The blend works. You never feel like you’re watching a “training” production; instead, you’re watching a community come together to build a shared sense of play.
A Candy-Coated Visual Feast
A major shout-out goes to costume designer Jayna Fry, whose work is nothing short of delightful. These costumes are clearly handcrafted, not rented, and it shows in every detail. The color palette pops. From Wonka to the Oompa Loompas, the costumes help define character and tone in a way that supports performers rather than distracting from them.
Props designed by Ben Haase and Gates Smythe add to the fun, embracing the playful absurdity of Dahl’s world with charm and inventiveness. The set and lighting design are by John Siedenberg, with projections by John Siedenberg II. Overall the visuals are intentionally simple, enhanced by media projection. While there are moments where a bit more projector brightness would have helped (particularly during Augustus Gloop’s journey through the pipes) the overall concept keeps the storytelling fluid. Lighting is strong throughout.
Direction, Choreography, and a Chorus Full of Joy
Directed by Michael Yarrick, the production keeps the story moving. A particularly smart touch is the inclusion of both adult- and child-sized Oompa Loompas, reinforcing the story’s cross-generational appeal. Where the show really comes alive is in the choreography by Cassidy Perme, which injects energy and visual rhythm into the ensemble numbers.
One very young performer in the chorus deserves a special mention—not for stealing focus, but for doing the opposite. She was endlessly entertaining, fully present, and a reminder that great ensemble work often comes from performers who know exactly how much to give.
Standout Performances
If there’s a golden ticket in this cast, it’s the stunning performance by Dalton Washburn as Charlie Bucket. He doesn’t just play Charlie; he lives him. His bright blond hair, expressive eyes, and sympathetic physicality make you lean in when he worries and grin ear to ear when he beams. There’s honest humanity in every beat of his performance and it’s a joy to watch. I’d never embarrass the kid, but if he reads this later? He should feel really proud.
Sam Parker’s Willy Wonka nods gently toward the dry wit of Gene Wilder’s film version without imitation. Parker brings his own flavor, which includes sharp timing, controlled eccentricity, and rock-solid vocals, making this Wonka feel both familiar and fresh.
As Grandpa Joe, Doug Bruening delivers a performance full of gentle, nuanced comedy. He resists going over the top, instead grounding Joe’s humor in warmth and humanity. The fizzy-lifting drink scene (complete with floating and well-timed burping) had kids in the audience howling with laughter, while adults laughed right along with them.
The Bottom Line
Yes, the script can feel a little…wonky (no pun intended), but the cast and creative team rise above it. Anchored in the beloved Leslie Bricusse score and performed with sincerity and joy, this production feels like a live, candy-colored Saturday morning cartoon.
It’s the kind of show where imagination leads the way, where kids are enchanted, adults are entertained, and everyone leaves smiling—especially on a very cold winter night.
Shawn Says:
If your imagination is craving a night out that’ll have kids laughing, adults smiling, and everyone walking out humming, this production of Willy Wonka is the golden ticket you’ve been hoping for. Take a look at Stage Right Musical Theatre Company—and you’ll see—into a world of pure imagination.
When & Where
Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka runs January 30 – February 8, 2026.
Run Time: 2 Hours, 10 Minutes
Performances are at the Williamstown Performing Arts Center in Williamstown, Kentucky.
- Fri/Sat, Jan. 30–31 at 7:30 p.m.
- Sun, Feb. 1 at 2:30 p.m.
- Fri/Sat, Feb. 6–7 at 7:30 p.m.
- Sun, Feb. 8 at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets
Tickets to Stage RIght’s Willie Wonka are available at the box office via their website stagerightmtc.org — secure your golden tickets while they last.
