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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Sweet times are in store as Chilton County High School Theatre Arts Guild presents “Willy Wonka Jr.” Nov. 15-16 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.

Tickets will be $5 at the door.

This is the second musical for the group, following last year’s production of “Aladdin Jr.”

The production will include the characters from the classic story with a few added laughs and more singing along the way.

Wonka will be played by Jeffrey Buchanan. Alyssa Leach will play Charlie. Grandpa Joe will be played by John Pace.

“I felt Charlie was really cool,” Leach said. “I listened to the songs, and I really wanted a part of that.”

She also likes the character’s positivity throughout the show.

Playing Grandpa Joe has significant personal meaning to Pace.

“It’s always held a close place in my heart because when I was 8 I first saw Willy Wonka and I was so happy about it,” Pace said. “Because I never met my grandfather, Grandpa Joe was a grandfather to me.”

He said the character “is so unique” because he does some things one would not expect, like being so excited to tour a chocolate factory and floating near the ceiling.

Alexander Wright said he wanted to be Mr. Salt, the father of Veruca Salt, so he could do a British accent.

“I can do a British accent, and I love doing the accent,” Wright said.

Drama teacher Kay Tippett said she chose “Willy Wonka Jr.” because she was looking for a musical with a story line the students were already familiar with and would be a good fit vocally.

Her favorite part is the music.

“I remember these songs from when I was young, watching the movie,” Tippett said. “Some of it’s fun and silly and some of it is just beautiful.”

The Guild has been working on the play for about a month.

Leach said she had enjoyed working through the script and seeing how the characters interact.

“I love the actors on set,” Leach said. “I love seeing the set come together.”

Constructing the sets and learning the lines have taken the most time.

“There is really no hard part because you have your whole cast and crew helping you through it,” Pace said. “It’s just overcoming small obstacles.”

Leach said learning the lines and songs while also attending practices for band has been challenging.

Wright said the group has also had to work to do things in a timely manner.

Each performance will be held in the CCHS Auditorium.