[PETOSKEY, MI] “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” the 14th original, full-length ballet created and performed by the Crooked Tree Arts Center School of Ballet takes place on Friday, June 7 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 8 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at the Harbor Springs Performing Arts Center. 

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is based on the 1971 film, “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Charlie is one of five international winners in a contest created by the great chocolate maker, Willy Wonka. With the promise of a lifetime supply of chocolate, each contestant is put to the test by Wonka himself. As the story unfolds, we see how the five winners navigate the challenges before them and suffer the dire consequences of not respecting Wonka’s instructions. Since Charlie demonstrates the honesty, humility, and kindness that aligns with Willy Wonka’s values, he inherits much more than a lifetime supply of chocolate! 

Each spring, the CTAC School of Ballet creates an original, full-length ballet that incorporates all students from Beginning Ballet to Pre-professional Ballet. The creation of the ballet starts in February with rehearsals spanning throughout the spring. This year’s ballet features 66 dancers and choreography from seven different School of Ballet faculty members. The dance styles featured in the ballet range from classical ballet and traditional dances to contemporary dance and screendance (choreography created for video). With this vast range of dance styles to pull from, the students have been able to dynamically develop their characters.

“Working on this show has been a really rewarding experience,” says Louis Millard, who will be performing the role of Willy Wonka. “I’ve been able to really dig into the character of Willy Wonka and hone all of his quirks and his marvelous personality.” 

Leif VanHorn will be performing the role of Charlie, and said that “developing the role of Charlie has been a fun and unique experience, like no other. Charlie is quite the joyful character with big dreams and he never stops pursuing them."

Proceeds from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'' directly support the CTAC School of Ballet’s Dance Scholarship Fund. Tickets can be purchased at Crooked Tree Arts Center or online at crookedtree.org. Tickets are $25 for adults, $5 for students and $50 for reserved seating.