WONKA | Central MN Theatre

Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka follows enigmatic candy manufacturer, Willy Wonka, as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats: the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka's rules in the factory... or suffer the consequences.

Max Finlayson (he/him)

Willy Wonka

Max has been highly involved in multiple theatre productions over the years. Some include; Jesus Christ Superstar, The Addams Family, The Sound of Music, Grease, Sister Act, A Christmas Story the Musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, It's a wonderful life, My Fair Lady, A Christmas Carol, Alice In Wonderland, Elf the Musical, The Sound of Music, and lastly Irving Berlin's White Christmas The Musical.

He was in Jesus Christ Superstar last spring with us and he said "I knew I would love to do another play or musical with this company again in the future because I enjoy participating in more than just one local community theatre." Once he heard that Better Times Theatre was thinking about putting on Willy Wonka, he just knew deep down that he had to audition for this production. The original 1971 film adaptation; Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder was one of his favorite live-action movie musicals growing up. And Max said to this day it is still one of his top 5 films.

When asked what Wonka should call his next candy bar he responded with Willy Wonka's Scrumdiddlyumptious-Peanut-Butter-Chocolate-Flavor-Shifted-Spectaccular.

Noelle Ritzema (she/her)

Charlie Bucket

Noelle has been apart of Cinderella, Matilda, White Christmas, 4 GREAT Theatre camps. She also is involved in the YCCM Cantabile Concert Choir and she plays the flute in her school band.

She connected with Better Time Theatre through her mom. She saw an add on her school's Facebook page. Noelle felt compelled to audition because she wanted to try out a new theatre company and that it gave her another opportunity to do something that she loves.

When asked what Wonka should call his next candy bar she responded with "Extra Dark Razzle Dazzle Raspberry."

Pat Curto (he/him)

Grandpa Joe

Teri Hams (she/her)

Grandma Josephine, Vocal Director & Props

Teri started in musical theatre in high school, and has been involved in St. Cloud area theatre for the last 35 years. Willy Wonka is her debut performance, never having had an acting role with lines and has been working hard on blocking (sitting in bed is very difficult to remember!) Teri has had numerous production roles including assistant director, set construction, pit orchestra, director, musical/vocal director, and woodwind player. Credits include South Pacific, A Chorus Line, Fiddler on the Roof, Camelot, A Christmas Carol, Anything Goes Hair, Seussical, Aladdin, The Rocky Horror Show, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Teri dedicates this performance to her husband, Alan Hams, who passed away on July 6th. To Terry and Pat, I can't imagine how I could do this show without the two of you at my side.

Her son Sean Donahue is the owner of Better Times Theatre.

When asked what Wonka should call his next candy bar she responded with "Pink Candy Boat Strawberry Lemonade Sours."

Jan Latterell (she/her)

Grandma Georgina

Jan was in class plays in high school, band, and choir MANY years ago. She was also a lounge group singer.

She was talked into doing this show and has found it to be quite fun!

When asked what Wonka should call his next candy bar she responded with "Wonka's Willy Dilly marvel Caramel Fudge Pudgy Bar."

Terry Latterell (he/him)

Grandpa George

Terry has done 10 or 12 musicals, and 5 or 6 dramatic roles in the past 76 years. He also directed 2 Jr. Class plays and 2 Contest One-Acts. He was in a rock and part of a hotel lounge quartet. His last appearance was in the musical Hair 15 years ago.

He was asked to audition for Willy Wonka by one of the current cast members.

When asked what Wonka should call his next candy bar he responded with "Grandpa George's Gooey, Gummy Grandpabar."

Madalene McMahon (she/her)

Mrs. Bucket

Andrew Mackey (he/him)

Mr. Bucket

Reed Ganz (he/him)

Candy Man & Phineous Trout (understudy)

Steven Fyten (he/him)

Phineous Trout & Wonka (understudy)

Matthew Benton (he/they)

Augustus Gloop & Charlie Bucket (understudy)

Matthew has been in multiple theatre productions. He has been in Stolen Shakespeare Festival, Christian de Neuvillette in Cyrano de Berg