Charlie and the Chocolate Factory presented by First Act Theatre Arts
PRESENTS
BOOK BY David Greig
MUSIC BY Marc Shaiman
Based on the novel by ROALD DAHL
LYRICS BY Scott Wittman
Marc Shaiman
Songs from the Motion Picture by LESLIE BRICUSSE and ANTHONY NEWLEY
Orchestrations by DOUG BESTERMAN
Arrangements by MARC SHAIMAN
Produced in the West End and on Broadway by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures
Langley Park Productions
Neal Street Productions
Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Michelle Evans Director
Katie Dahlstrom
Music Director
Kari Bliss
Production Coordinator
Gavin Tanner Assistant Director/Stage Manager
Rodney Holley & Caleb Powell
Sound Designers
Choreographer
Becky Ochoa
Lighting Designer Paige Zars
Nolan Ehler
Lighting Apprentice
from the director
There is no life I know to compare to pure imagination, living here, you’ll be free, if you truly wish to be……
Each year as I write my director’s note, I always try to sound witty or make things personal to each show, and what I hope is the takeaway for our audiences. This year, there is not some deeper hidden message, a need for a significant discussion or thought process……
Wonka, Charlie, Grandpa Joe, Veruca, Augustus, Violet, and Mike are all of us in one way or another. At some point, whether we own it or not, we have had dreams that seem impossible to achieve, displayed “ugly” behaviors, and met people that have left an indelible mark on our lives, be it good or bad. It is up to each of us how WE react or respond in these situations. So, in the end the takeaway is a simple one, be grateful for everything and everyone that life puts in your path, there are lessons to learn and dreams to share.
I have had the privilege to work alongside some amazing artists doing this show. They all have tackled this challenging show and have brought their best both on and off the stage. I am so proud of the work they have produced and the humans they have developed into during this process. This cast spans ages 8-18 and truly embodies what we do best here at First Act, creating wonderful productions and cultivating an amazing community while doing it!
I definitely did not do all of this alone. I am immensely grateful for the talent, creativity and vision of my amazing team. Katie Dahlstrom has a way of teaching music that brings both fun and precision to every song. Paige Zars added her own special magic to this show and created some fun and challenging choreography for all ages. And I can’t thank my AD/SM, Gavin Tanner, and Production Coordinator, Kari Bliss, enough for keeping me grounded and sane during the beautiful chaos that is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I would be lost in the factory if it wasn't for both of them!
I also want to thank the amazing parent volunteers that have gone above and beyond to help this show come to life. We say this every show, but we TRULY could not do this without them. Another round of “thanks” is due to our amazing office staff at First Act that keep this machine going day in and day out and to our Board for their countless support. And last, but definitely not least, I want to thank all of YOU, our wonderful patrons that keep coming out to support First Act and these amazing young artists. Thank you for helping us continue to share a bit of theatre magic year after year!
So, just remember that we are all surrounded by glimmers of “golden tickets” every day….it is our choice to see them and grab one!
Michelle Evans
artistic team
Gavin, Kari, Michelle, Katie, & Paige
Musical Numbers
“The Candy Man"..........................................Willy Wonka, Charlie, & Townspeople
“Charlie, You and I”.........................................................................Charlie, Grandpa Joe “A Letter from Charlie Bucket” Charlie, Mrs Bucket, & Grandparents
“More of Him to Love”........................................Mrs. Gloop, Augustus, & Bavarians "When Veruca Says"......................Mrs. Salt, Veruca, Prima Ballerinas, Ballerinas “The Queen of Pop”.......................Mr. Beauregarde, Violet, Gum Chompin’ Crew
“That Little Man of Mine”........................Mrs. Teavee, Mike Teavee, Media Momz, & Media Kidz
“If Your Father Were Here”……........................................Mrs. Bucket, Grandparents
“I’ve Got a Golden Ticket/Grandpa Joe”……...Charlie, Grandpa Joe, Mrs. Bucket, & Grandparents
“It Must Be Believed to Be Seen”…….........Willy Wonka, Golden Ticket Winners & Parents, & Townspeople
ACT ONE ACT TWO
“Strike That, Reverse It”...........Willy Wonka, Golden Ticket Winners & Parents
“Pure Imagination/Grandpa Joe (Reprise)” ..............Willy Wonka, Golden Ticket Winners & Parents
“The Oompa Loompa Song / Auf Wiedersehen” Willy Wonka, Chocolate Room Oompa Loompas, Hoffa
“That Little Man of Mine Reprise”…….........................................................Mrs. Teavee “The View From Here”……...........................................................Willy Wonka, Charlie
cast of characters
Bella Blankenship..................................Ballerina, TV Room Oompa, Townsperson
Eden Blankenship..............................Gum Chompin’ Crew, Mixing Room Oompa, Townsperson
Addison Blobaum Media Mom, Reporter, Chocolate Room Oompa, Townsperson
Devin is 18 years old and a senior at Olathe East High School. This is his 16th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Devin’s favorite shows he’s performed in are Rock of Ages at Olathe East and Merrily We Roll Along at First Act. Off stage, Devin enjoys to hoop, swoop, and loop. Devin would like to thank his family, except his little sister, Olivia Hyer from school, and Luke Peterson.
Jude Doyle as Jerry Jubilee
Jude is 14 years old and a freshman at Shawnee Mission West. This is his 7th show with First Act Theatre Arts Jude’s favorite show he’s performed in is Bye Bye Birdie. Off stage, Jude enjoys being with friends. Jude would like to thank his mom and dad.
Maddie Ehler as Grandma Georgina
Maddie is 11 years old and a sixth grader at Holy Trinity Catholic School. This is her 10th show at First Act Theatre Arts. Maddie’s favorite shows she’s performed in are Matilda and Beauty and the Beast Off stage, Maddie enjoys playing with friends, dancing, and singing when not performing. Maddie would like to thank God and her family.
Mya Evans as Mrs. Bucket
Mya is 16 years old and a sophomore at Lee’s Summit West. This is her 22nd show with First Act Theatre Arts Mya’s favorite shows she’s performed in are Freaky Friday and Tuck Everlasting. Off stage, Mya enjoys puzzles, reading, hanging out with friends, and listening to records. Mya would like to thank her parents, family, friends, the directing team, and most of all, God!
Meet the Cast
Maggie Falco as Mrs. Green
Maggie is 13 years old and a seventh grader at Blue Valley Middle School. This is her 12th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Maggie’s favorite show she’s performed in is Tuck Everlasting. Off stage, Maggie enjoys dancing, volleyball, shopping, and hanging out with friends and family. Maggie would like to thank her family, friends, and the First Act artistic team!
Elliana is 12 years old and a homeschooled sixth grader. This is her 6th show with First Act Theatre Arts Elliana’s favorite shows she’s performed in are Matilda and White Christmas. Off stage, Elliana enjoys hanging out with her friends, dancing, making her own movies, and shopping. Elliana would like to thank her family for always supporting her. She would like to thank all of her dance teachers, and her voice teacher, Lindsay James She would like to thank her friends for always cheering her on. Most of all, she would like to thank God for allowing her to have this opportunity to perform.
Elliana Fetters as Violet Beauregarde
Meet the Cast
Kanyon Hancock as Grandma Josephine Kanyon is 14 years old and an eighth grader at Indian Hills Middle School. This is her 9th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Kanyon’s favorite show she’s performed in is Junie B. Jones. Off stage, Kanyon enjoys shopping, hanging out with friends, baking, cooking, and dancing. Kanyon would like to thank her friends, family, God, and her directors and cast mates for always supporting and encouraging her.
Thomas Henson as Mr. Beauregarde
Thomas is 13 years old and an eighth grader at Indian Hills Middle School. This is his FIRST show with First Act Theatre Arts! Thomas’s favorite show he’s performed in is Anastasia. Off stage, Thomas enjoys playing club soccer. Thomas would like to thank his voice teacher Leann Losh, for helping him prepare for this journey
Meet the Cast
Riley Holk as Cherry Sundae
Riley is 13 years old and a seventh grader at Blue Valley Middle School. This is her 12th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Riley’s favorite shows she’s performed in are Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and White Christmas. Off stage, Riley enjoys playing with her dog, making hot chocolate, hanging out with friends, and being with family. Riley would like to thank her dog, Wally, her parents for driving her to rehearsal, and all the people who came to the show.
Danna
Holzhauer as Mrs. Gloop
Danna is 17 years old and a junior at Sonlight Homeschool. This is her 7th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Danna’s favorite show she’s performed in is Tuck Everlasting Off stage, Danna enjoys doing all things crafty, painting, embroidery, making bracelets, and sewing. She also likes to go on long car rides, and watch anime. Danna would like to thank her wonderful family, without them she wouldn’t have gotten to love theater. She would also like to thank her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for making all things possible.
Marin LaCour as Mrs. Teavee
Marin is 18 years old and a senior at Lee’s Summit North High School. This is her 25th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Marin’s favorite show she’s performed in is Descendants the Musical. Off stage, Marin enjoys reading, writing, drawing, and singing. Marin would like to thank her parents, friends, directors, and every person who has made a difference in her theater career!
Jahir Lopez-Hernandez as Grandpa Joe Jahir is 12 years old and a seventh grader at Overland Christian School. This is his FIRST show with First Act Theatre Arts! Jahir’s favorite show he’s performed in is Beauty and the Beast. Off stage, Jahir enjoys listening to music. Jahir would like to thank God, his parents, and his friends, especially Karyss and Calvin, for their immense support.
Meet the Cast
Kathleen Okken as Veruca Salt
Kathleen is 13 years old and a seventh grader at Kansas City Christian School This is her 7th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Kathleen’s favorite show she’s performed in is Tuck Everlasting. Off stage, Kathleen enjoys dancing, playing soccer, hanging out with friends, sleeping, and drinking Dr. Pepper. Kathleen would like to thank her parents, friends, the wonderful artistic team, and God
Matthias Okken as Augustus Gloop
Matthias is 11 years old and a fifth grader at Kansas City Christian School. This is his 6th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Matthias’ favorite show he’s performed in is Matilda Off stage, Matthias enjoys playing video games, playing the piano, and reading. Matthias would like to thank his family and God.
Rachel Pishny as Mrs. Salt
Rachel is 15 years old and a freshman at Blue Valley Southwest. This is her 13th show with First Act Theatre Arts Rachel’s favorite shows she’s been in are The SpongeBob Musical as Patchy the Pirate and a Sea Anemone, Merrily We Roll Along as TV Newsperson, and Curtains as Ensemble. Off stage, Rachel enjoys singing, listening to music, swimming with COOL Swim Team, singing with the Youth Chorus of Kansas City, running cross country with her school, singing, reading, and did she mention singing? Rachel would like to thank her parents, her friends, God, and her cats, Charlie, Daniel, and Socks for being the laziest emotional support animals ever.
Meet the Cast
John Michael Starling as Grandpa George
John Michael is 13 years old and a seventh grader at Holy Spirit Catholic School. This is his 3rd show with First Act Theatre Arts John Michael’s favorite show he’s performed is A Christmas Story. Off stage, John Michael enjoys making videos and skits, animating, video games, and obviously singing and acting. He also really likes drawing and movies. Basically, anything creative! (Subscribe to PUPPETSANDWAFFLES, his YouTube channel!) John Michael would like to thank God, his family, his friends, and BAPA, his original theater company before he moved here.
Henry Trimble as Mike Teavee
Henry is 12 years old and a seventh grader at Prairie Star Middle School. This is his 11th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Henry’s favorite show he’s performed in is A Christmas Story. Off stage, Henry enjoys singing, baking, playing with his dogs, watching movies, and most importantly scroll on Instagram Reels. Henry would like to thank his amazing voice teacher for helping him get to where he is today, his family, his friends, the artistic team for everything they did, his sister Georgia for finally doing a First Act show, and most importantly, God.
Grayson Zars as Charlie Bucket
Grayson is 11 years old and a sixth grader at Summit Trail Middle School. This is his 4th show with First Act Theatre Arts. Grayson’s favorite show he’s performed in is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Off stage, Grayson enjoys bowling, playing soccer, playing with his brothers, and cheering for the Chiefs and Sporting KC! Grayson would like to thank his mom, dad, brothers - Camden and Keaton, the directors, his vocal coach - Laure, and God.
Chocolate Room Oompa Loompas
Addison Blobaum Media Mom, Reporter
Nora Booth Bavarian
Maeve Brennan Bavarian
Bowman Brown Media Kidz, Reporter
Kaylee Dust Bavarian
Audrey Fletcher Media Mom, Reporter
Kate Gawer Bavarian
Allison Jianas Bavarian
Arden Jones Bavarian
Ruby Kilkenny Media Mom, Reporter
Nickole Lambert Media Mom, Reporter
Mabel Marsh Bavarian
Chocolate Room Oompa Loompas
Levi Martin
Media Kidz, Reporter
Reagan Martin Bavarian
Delaney Minks Bavarian
Annaliese Oliver Bavarian
Macie Pollard Bavarian
Elsy Puryear Bavarian
Sydney Sayler Media Mom, Reporter
Claire Spencer Bavarian
Chocolate Room Oompa Loompas
Liliana Stuhlsatz Bavarian Levi Syverson Media Kidz, Reporter
Lily Syverson Bavarian
Henry Tanner Media Kidz, Reporter
Ruby Teel Bavarian Cole Wood-McKeown Media Kidz, Reporter
Mixing Room Oompa Loompas
Eden Blankenship Gum Chompin’ Crew
Navy Dewitt Gum Chompin’ Crew
Alexa Dust Gum Chompin’ Crew
Levi Foster Gum Chompin’ Crew
Viola Howard Gum Chompin’ Crew
Avery Jones Gum Chompin’ Crew
Evan Kane Gum Chompin’ Crew
Nash McGinness-Wood Gum Chompin’ Crew
Mixing Room Oompa Loompas
Palmer Nicholas Gum Chompin’ Crew
Dalton Phar Hoffa, Gum Chompin’ Crew
Grace Rose Gum Chompin’ Crew
Lila Shove Gum Chompin’ Crew
Sylvie Williams Gum Chompin’ Crew
TV Room Oompa Loompas
Bella Blankenship Ballerina
Marie Orrison Prima Ballerina
Lilliana Robertson Prima Ballerina
Lydia Stiles Ballerina
Georgia Trimble Ballerina
Intermission Opportunities
Congratulations!
Nora Booth
Nora- We love watching you shine on stage! You bring us so much joy!
Love- Mom, Dad and Isaac
Maeve Brennan
We are so proud of you, Maeve! You have grown so much with First Act and love the friendships you've gained! Break a leg! We love you! Mama, Daddy, Declan, Mammaw and Jack
Bowman Brown
Congratulations on your 2nd show, Bowman! We are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad & Barrett
Mya Evans
Mya we could not be more proud of the person and performer you have become Love, Mom & Dad
Maggie Falco
Congratulations Maggie! We are so proud of you! Keep Shining! Mom, Dad, Jack, and Rogers
Elliana Fetters
Elliana, We can't think of a more perfect character than "Violet" for your first principal role! Your dance moves, soulful voice, and sass were made for this show! Nothing brings us greater joy than watching you use your God-given talents on stage. We are SO proud of you! Love you more than words can say, Momma, Daddy, Emerson and Everett
Congratulations!
Audrey Fletcher
So proud of you! Your hard work is truly inspiring. We're excited to see your talent light up the stage
Thomas Henson
Thomas -- you light up the stage and our hearts! We love you so much! Mom and Dad
Danna Holzhauer
Danna, it's so exciting to see you yodel and shine as Mrs. Gloop! We love you! Dad, Mom, Neumann, Grandma
Viola Howard
Viola ~ We are so proud of you for trying something new! Have fun! We love you! Mom & Dad
Evan Kane
We are SO proud of you for continuing to pursue what you love and giving it your all! Break a leg and SHINE on! Love you! ~Mom and Dad
Levi Martin
Congratulations Levi! We love you and are so proud of you! -Mom & Dad
Reagan Martin
Congratulations Reagan on your first show! We love you and are so proud of you! -Mom & Dad
Nash McGinness-Wood
Nash - We are so proud of how hard you work each and every day! We can't wait to see what the future holds for you! We love you! Trish Michelle and Tatum
Palmer Nicholas
Palmer, we are so proud of you! You glow on stage! We love you! - Mom, Dad, and Payton
Annaliese Oliver
Congratulations Annaliese on your very first show! We are all so Proud Of You ❤ Love, Mom, Dad, KiKi and Carter
Rachel Pishny
Olga Salt- you are the shine in our lives! We love watching you spice... wait, strike that, reverse it ;)
Congratulations!
Macie Pollard
Macie, we are so proud of you and how you continue to use your gifts for the Lord! We love you and are excited to see you in the show. ~Dad, Mom, Mackenzie, Myleigh, Madisyn
Grace Rose
Congratulations, Grace! We are in awe of you!Love Mom, Dad, Carter & Caroline
Sydney Sayler
Congratulations Sydney! You have done a great job preparing and I'm so proud of you! Love, Mom
Georgia Trimble
Georgia, Congrats on your First Act debut! We have loved seeing you shine on stage! We love you, your family
Henry Trimble
Henry, Congrats on playing Mike Teavee! We always enjoy watching you do what you love! We love you, your family
Cole Wood-McKeown
Cole Your love and passion for theater is so amazing. We are so proud of the growth we have seen over the past couple of shows. We love watching you shine! Mom Barb, Teresa, Andrew, & Skyler
parent committees
Backstage
Minks
Pishny*
Starling
Stiles
Costumes
Jones,Barbara
Lambert
Marsh*
Rose
Tanner
Williams
GreenRoom
Fetters
Gawer
Howard
Syverson*
Teel
House
Blankenship
Hensen
Lopez-Hernandez
Martin
McGinness-Wood*
Makeup
Blobaum
Houston(Saylor)
Jones,Rebekah*
Okken
OpportunityBaskets
Falco
Kane*
Nicholas Phar
ProductionSupport
LaCour,B*
Wood-McKeown
PR/Marketing
Fulk*(Cunagin)
Props
Ehler*
Holzhauer
Shove
Trimble
*CommitteeHead
Refreshments
DeWitt
Foster Holk*
Oliver
Stuhlsatz
Sets
Brown
Doyle Dust
Evans
Fletcher*
Hancock
Orrison
Souvenirs
Booth*
Brennan Puryear
Spencer Tech
Kilkenny*
LaCour,D.
Mason(Jianas)
Pollard
Special Thanks
First Act Theatre Arts would like to extend special thanks to the following organizations and individuals for their generous contributions to this show.
Casey McDormand and the Bell Center Staff for hosting this production
Evangel Church & Kaw Prairie Community Church for hosting our classes Village Church on Antioch for hosting our auditions, rehearsals & parent meetings
Erin Hillier & Darci Foster for being our tireless class coordinators
Hailey Bartels for her dedicated service to our HEART program
Melissa Sellers & Steve Kleinschmidt for their excellent show photos
Dennis Ryan for the terrific show recordings
Rick Aldrich & Totally His Graphics for our awesome show shirts
Mikey Fletcher for his help with all things warehouse
Ginger Burns for her assistance with makeup
Cynthia Liggett for her help with props
Pam Bray, Gina Milbourn, & Sharon Kleinschmidt for their assistance with the organization of our costumes
Marie, Mya, and Marin for being our worship team
The First Act Board and Staff for all of their support
Our amazing parent committees and wonderful volunteers: without you, our show would never be possible!
Kari Bliss for making our production run smoothly
Our wonderful Artistic Team for putting this show together
And most importantly, our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ through whom all things are possible!
