Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with the Clayton Foundation, will present a live production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The play will be performed from June 5th through the 21st, with showtimes on Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 1pm and 5 pm, and Sundays at 3pm.

The production will take place in Knoxville Children’s Theatre’s exciting new location at 747 World’s Fair Park. Free onsite parking is provided.

Poor Charlie Bucket finds a Golden Ticket in his Wonka Chocolate Bar, sending him and his Grandpa on a magical tour of Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory. One by one, the other children on the tour break the rules—but if Charlie survives the journey, he may discover an even greater reward. The play blends fantasy, humor, and heightened theatrical storytelling.

The production features twenty talented young actors, ages 9 to 17. The cast includes Dakota Paxton as Charlie Bucket, Desmond Gondo as Grandpa Joe, Quinton Stiffler as Willy Wonka, RJ Bumpus as Mike TeaVee, Camila Herrera as Violet Beauregard, Sage Jamison as Augustus Gloop, and Evie Strangward as Veruca Salt. Also joining them are KCT veterans Craig Brehmer, Vivienne Bullard, Zee Carnes, Julian Daniel, Nora Halliburton, Lydia Komeshak, Emma Sims, and Samuel Wilson. Making their KCT debut are Megan Cole, Orchid Harmon, Ella Iwaszkiw, Adelyn Taylor, and Caleb Tyrell.

The play is directed by KCT alumna, Jennifer Cunic. The scenic design is led by Truman Ball and assisted by Kea Mitchell and Natalie Graves. Chloe Beeler serves as costume designer and assisted by Lily Przybyszewski, Scarlett Cooper, and Brianna Guerrero. The props are designed by Lucille Childers and assisted by Mckenzie Schumacher. Harper Knight serves as the lighting designer and is assisted by Colin Gentry. The play is stage managed by Nathan Criddle and assistant stage managed by Jacob Johnson.

KCT is East Tennessee’s leading producer of plays for children and families.