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Pure Imagination: Justin Thomas is Willy Wonka in CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY


A scrumdiddlyumptious new musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic novel, featuring original music and songs from the 1971 film, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY plays in the Jeffers Theatre at HCT November 29th through December 14th.


Returning to the Pamela Livingtone Stage, in a role that must be seen to be believed, is Justin Thomas as Willy Wonka.


A resident of Lenoir, Thomas works as an Administrative Support Specialist at Appalachian State University, where he is also taking courses in English and Film Study. Thomas most recently appeared at HCT in THE GUY WHO DIDN'T LIKE MUSICALS and THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG. Other HCT credits include SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, a Kay Award-winning turn as Outstanding Character Actor in THE FOREIGNER, NOISES OFF, AS YOU LIKE IT, and as part of the Kay Award-winning Ensemble in RAGTIME. Area credits include THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) and DRINKING HABITS at Foothills Performing Arts, as well as INTO THE WOODS, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and FROM THIS DAY FORWARD at Old Colony Players.


Thomas is grateful for the accepting community he finds at HCT, and is excited to be bringing such an iconic character to life in this production. "Wonka is eccentric, and is discovering a lot about the world he has avoided for a long time."


Performances of CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY are Fridays and Saturdays, November 29th through December 14th at 7:30PM; Sundays, December 1st and 8th at 2:30PM, and, Thursday, December 12th at 7:30PM. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for youth and students.


Tickets are available online at hickorytheatre.org, or by phone at 828-328-2283. The theatre box office is open from 12-5 PM Wednesday through Friday, or one half-hour before a performance.


CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is rated PG. Some material may not be suitable for children. Parental guidance is suggested.


CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is produced in association with Catawba Valley Health System. The Hickory Community Theatre’s 76th season is sponsored by A Cleaner World, Protection Products, Inc., Shurtape Technologies, Bella Age, Covington Dental, and LifeRootz. HCT is a Funded Affiliate of Arts Culture Catawba and receives additional support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.


(Photo by Eric Seale)

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