Berkeley Playhouse Presents WIlLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, 7/14-8/19

Berkeley Playhouse closes its 2011-12 season with an adaptation of Roald Dahl'S WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Willy Wonka, owner of a magical and mysterious chocolate factory, excels at making candy. He is ready to retire, however, and sets out on a quest to find a "bright spark," an honest and worthy heir to continue his candy confectioning.

Berkeley Playhouse founding Artistic Director Elizabeth McKoy helms this musical, based on Roald Dahl's stylish children's story about the world famous candy man, starring Bay Area singer/songwriter, musician, and recording artist Vernon Bush in the title role. Filled with sweet surprises, including aerial acrobatics, bungee jumping, and a professional Oompah Loompah dance ensemble, WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY features such memorable tunes from the classic family film as "The Candy Man," "Pure Imagination," "Oompa Loompa," and "I Want it Now" by Academy and Grammy award winners Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley; the musical also features a new script adapted under the auspices of the Dahl Estate.

Berkeley Playhouse was founded in 2007 by Artistic Director Elizabeth McKoy, a professional theater actor, director, and teacher for over 20 years. Under the artistic guidance of McKoy, and Managing Director Lauren Hewitt, Berkeley Playhouse is a professional theater for all ages that presents a season of year-round musicals, providing children and families with unique and sophisticated musical theater experiences. In addition, Berkeley Playhouse has a music theater conservatory which offers a range of educational instruction classes in music performance skills. In 2009, Berkeley Playhouse made its permanent performance home at the historic Julia Morgan Theatre in Berkeley.

DATES: Previews: July 14, 2pm (special preview performance price reduced $5/ticket)

Opens: July 14, 2012, 7pm (Also press opening)

Closes: August 19, 2012

Special Q&A "Wonka Unplugged" will follow the July 28 matinee

All performances Thursday at 7pm; Saturday at 2pm, 7pm; Sunday at 12pm, 5pm (additional 7pm performance Wednesday, July 25)

WHERE: Julia Morgan Theatre, 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley

TICKETS: For tickets ($17-35) and more information, the public may visit berkeleyplayhouse.org or call 510-845-8542x351; group rates available.