by Nicole Matheson

This weekend, something sweet is coming to Lake Havasu as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” opens at Grace Arts Live. The show runs for the next three weekends, April 10-12, 17-19, 24-26 at 7:30 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m., on Sundays.

The musical features an all-local cast and crew of all ages. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is based on the classic children’s book by Roald Dahl of the same name. The eccentric candy maker Willy Wonka is played by a familiar face on the Main Street theater’s stage, Ricky Van Lent. 

This timeless story follows Willy Wonka’s contest to find hidden golden tickets inside candy bars, with the winners receiving a tour of his factory. One of these winners is good-natured youngster Charlie Bucket, played by Matthew English. He brings along his grandpa Joe, portrayed by Jim McCabe, and they encounter the other winners, children of Charlie’s age who are all spoiled brats.

But in Willy Wonka’s factory there are rules to be followed, or hijinks ensue. It is a fantastic tale of imagination with moral lessons at its heart, as told by some of Lake Havasu’s most talented.

For tickets, visit http://www.graceartslive.com/ or call 928-505-2787. You can also visit the box office at the theater at 2146 McCulloch Blvd., Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. or up to an hour before showtimes.

Here are pictures of the “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” dress rehearsal:

Charlie Bucket, portrayed by Matthew English is over the moon to find the last of the prized golden tickets in his Wonka candy bar. Photo courtesy of Jenna Ebert

Renowned and unconventional candy maker, Willy Wonka (Ricky Van Lent) meets the five golden ticket winners before their factory tour. From left to right: Charlie Bucket (Matthew English), Augustus Gloop (Zachary Reed), Mike Tease (Nathanael Gomez), Veruca Salt (Taylor Skelton) and Violet Beauregarde (Lexy Meyers). Photo courtesy of Jenna Ebert

Reporters crowd reclusive candy maker extraordinaire, Willy Wonka, played by Ricky Van Lent, at his factory’s gate. Photo courtesy of Jenna Ebert

Charlie Bucket (Matthew English) and his Grandpa Joe (Jim McCabe) are interviewed by Chocolate TV’s media team, Jerry Jubilee (Ivan Gomez) and Cherry Sundae (Heidi Vesely) among other reporters as one of the five golden ticket winners. Photo courtesy of Jenna Ebert