(NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey is kicking off their 43rd Main Stage Season with Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory weekends from October 11-27, 2024. The play introduces us to the world-famous Willy Wonka, who is opening the gates to his mysterious factory, but only to a lucky few. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka’s army of curious Oompa-Loompas.

Based on the novel by Roald Dahl with songs from the motion picture by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has a book by David Greig with music by Marc Shaiman and Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman.

This production runs October 11-27, 2024 with performances on Saturdays at 4:00pm Sundays at 2:00pm and a special opening night performance on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 7:30pm. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling the Box Office at (973) 347-4946. Season subscriptions are available as well. Group Rates are available for all productions. Performances take place in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey.

The production is directed by Stephen L. Fredericks, TGS Founder/Executive Director with musical direction by Melinda Bass O’Neill and choreography by Cari Sanchez.

The cast features Brogan Donnelly (TGS Debut) of Randolph, NJ as Charlie; Davis Cameron Lemley (Ella Enchanted) of Cedar Grove, NJ as Willy Wonka; Lisa Andreacchi (Maddie & Eleanor) of Mendham, NJ as Mrs. Bucket; David O’Neill (Ella Enchanted) of Mount Olive, NJ as Grandpa Joe; Sydney Matthews  (Arthur & Friends) of Denville, NJ as Grandma Josephine/Others; Mark Squindo (TGS Debut) of Califon, NJ as Mr. Salt/Others; Danielle MacMath (TGS Debut) of Bridgewater, NJ as Mrs. Teavee/Others; Donald Danford (Arthur & Friends) of Rockaway, NJ as Mr. Beauregarde/Others; Brooke Olivia Ginsberg (TGS Debut) of Caldwell, NJ  as Violet; Ryder Jabush (Land of Forgotten Toys) of Hackettstown, NJ as Augustus; Bryella V. Challandes (The Nutcracker) of Long Valley, NJ as Veruca and Kailey Valdez (TGS Debut) of Roxbury, NJ as Mike Teavee. Rounding out the company are young performers playing Oompa-Loompas and representing Morris, Sussex and Warren counties.

Here are more photos from the production.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is produced through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

The rest of the season includes Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (December 6-22, 2024), Catching the Moon (February 14 - March 2, 2025), Her Beautiful Sound (March 28 - April 6, 2025), and Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical (May 2-23, 2025).

The Growing Stage-The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is a non-profit professional performing arts center dedicated to theatre for young audiences. Through their programming we provide opportunities for all to learn and grow through participation in the arts.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. For more than 15 years, John has photographed live events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions. Currently, John has spent the last 3 years concentrating on photographing almost 200 theatre productions for over 70 different theatres. Click here for John's website.