Public Schools of Robeson County wins golden ticket with CTAP’s production of Roald Dahl’s 'Willy Wonka Jr.'
LUMBERTON – The Public Schools of Robeson County’s Children's Theatre Arts Program (CTAP) students will transport audiences to a “world of pure imagination” with their production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR., a musical based on Roald Dahl’s timeless children’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. School performances will take place on March 20-21, with two performances on Saturday, March 22 for the general public at Lumberton Junior High School’s auditorium.
A world-famous reclusive candy maker named Willy Wonka has announced that he will offer a tour of a lifetime through his secret chocolate factory to five children who find a golden ticket in one of his world-famous candy bars. One ticket-holder will also win a lifetime supply of chocolate! Against all odds, an impoverished but sweet-natured boy named Charlie Bucket wins a golden ticket. He and his fellow tour members will encounter unusual beings called Oompa Loompas and many temptations along the way, but each stop proves to be a test, as only one can go on to win Wonka’s grand prize!
CTAP’s Creative Team presents a dazzling spectacle filled with imaginative sights and sounds, whisking audiences from the humble streets of a small town into Wonka’s extravagant, candy-coated factory—and into his one-of-a-kind way of thinking. In the heart of winter, where the most unexpected individuals find themselves on an extraordinary adventure, anything is possible! Dreams really can come true as long as you believe in yourself, do the right thing, and above all—think positive!
Under the leadership of newly appointed Program Director Rob Wilkins, the team has been entrusted with uniting and enhancing CTAP’s productions to reach new heights. The program will dive deeper into the theatrical arts like never before, incorporating larger, more vibrant sets, technology advancements both on stage and off, character development and understanding, vocal training and movement lessons. The program seeks to develop strong performers pursuing the Arts while boosting confidence in public speaking, self-expression, and teamwork—fostering growth on and off the stage. Producing a show of any scale requires a committed team, but guiding young students to become not only exceptional performers but also remarkable individuals demands a profound level of dedication and passion.
Tickets for School Performances:
Schools interested in attending any of the school performances on March 20 or 21, 2025 can reserve seats by contacting Joy Ivey at joy.ivey@robeson.k12.nc.us. School Performances are open to schools both within and outside Robeson County. There are two performance times each day, and teachers, bus drivers, and chaperones attend for free. The student ticket price is $5.
Tickets for General Public Performances:
Tickets for the general public can be purchased at the door in the main lobby of the Lumberton Junior High School Auditorium on the day of show, Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person and are general admission tickets.
Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY, (212) 541-4684, mtishows.com.