Palm Canyon Theatre (PCT) is unwrapping the first treat of its 29th season with Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, running October 3–12, 2025. Dahl’s beloved tale bursts to life with a cast of 41, including young artists from PCT Summer Kids Camp.
This production uses the 2017 Broadway version of the musical—a reimagined adaptation that blends new songs with classics fans know and love, like, “Pure Imagination” and “The Candy Man.” This musical’s book was written by David Greig with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman.
Audiences follow wide-eyed dreamer Charlie (Desmond McLeod) as a golden ticket opens the gates to the mysterious factory of the world’s most famous candy maker, Willy Wonka (Scott Clinkscales). Inside, a sweet-toothed lineup of contenders learns hard lessons in the most musical, magical ways: Augustus Gloop (Vito Orlando), Veruca Salt (Fiona Sarchett), Violet Beauregard (Kathleen Atkins), and Mike Teavee (Steffon Martindale). They’re joined by watchful parents: Mr. Salt (Neil Badham), Mr. Beauregard (Eric Stein-Steel), Mrs. Teavee (Heather Joy), and Mrs. Bucket (Georgia Smith)—plus Charlie’s steadfast family, including Grandpa Joe (Luke Rainey), Grandpa George (Terry Huber), Grandma Josephine (Adam Heiter), and Grandma Georgina (Alan Berry); and colorful characters Cherry Sunday (Stevie Gold), Jerry Jubilee (Marcello Tulipano), and the Used Vegetable Lady (Sanai Wright).
The creative team includes Director Se Layne, Musical Director Chuck Peery, Choreographer Tegr Powell, and Resident Costumer Derik Shopinski, with scenic and lighting design by J.W. Layne and projections by Nick Edwards.
The company also features a strong intergenerational cast of talented locals, in alphabetical order: Anastasia Abonce, Donovan Bricker, Taylor Dibble, Darrin Dikes, Stevie Gold, Isla Gurnon, Dayanara Huerta, Thelma Irvine, Emme Kaminsky, Reagan Kaminsky, Karsyn Kemp, Bogdona Koltsova, Radmira Koltsova, Caroline McDaniel, Imogen McLeod, Leilah Mendivil, Brenda Meza, Brooklyn Park, Sierra Petrilla, Ari Rand, Evie Rand, Denise Rooney, Katerina Santiago, and Charles Slaybaugh.
Performances run October 3-12 with evening performances now beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; Thursday performances at 7 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets, including fees, are $46 for adults, and $20 for students. Group discounts are available. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, patrons may call the PCT box office at 760-323-5123 or order online at palmcanyontheatre.org. PCT is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive at the corner of Alejo Road and Palm Canyon Drive. Box office hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
