Vernon Bush to Star in Berkeley Playhouse’s Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory

Berkeley Playhouse is set to present Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, July 14-August 19 at the Julia Morgan Theatre. Founding artistic director Elizabeth McKoy will direct.

Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory features aerial acrobatics, bungee jumping, and a professional Oompa Loompa dance ensemble as well as Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley’s songs from the classic family film such as “The Candy Man,” “Pure Imagination,” and “Oompa Loompa.” The musical also features a new script adapted under the auspices of the Dahl Estate.

The cast will star Bay Area musician Vernon Bush in the title role, and will also feature Dakota Dry and Lucy Urbano (Charlie), Paul Loper (Grandpa Joe), Ben Rotenberg and Aasha Dev (Mike Teavee), Leo Jergovic and Robin Rojas-Cheatham (Augustus Gloop), Emma Choate and Juliet “Jet” Harper (Veruca Salt), Hannah Dworkin (Mrs. Bucket), Bonnie Lafer (Mrs. Beauregarde), Alexis Lane Jensen (Mrs. Gloop), Miyaka Cochran (Mr. Bucket), Chad Dickerson (Mr. Salt), and Amanda King (Mrs. Teavee). Rounding out the cast are Emily Abel, Deirde Ashby, Cera Byer, Sachi Granich, Michelle Huebel, Brie Martin, Matt Ono, Linnea Snyderman, Jesper Tran, and Lauren Vance.

Musical direction will be by Tal Ariel, with choreography by Dane Paul Andres.

For more information and tickets to Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, click here.