Willy Wonka Jr. at the Granite Theatre

Willy Wonka Jr. at the Granite Theatre brings Charlie Bucket, the mysterious golden tickets, and Willy Wonka’s fantastical chocolate factory to the stage in downtown Westerly for two performances, Saturday, August 15. (Friday is sold out)

This family-friendly musical is the culmination of the Granite Theatre’s 2026 summer youth program, with young performers spending the days leading up to the production rehearsing before taking the stage for the public performances. The theater describes the show as an all-ages adventure filled with colorful characters, imaginative inventions, music and plenty of surprises inside Wonka’s factory. (Granite Theatre)

Charlie Bucket Finds a Golden Ticket

The story begins with Charlie Bucket, a kindhearted boy growing up without much money who dreams of experiencing the world created by eccentric candy maker Willy Wonka.

That seemingly impossible opportunity arrives when Wonka announces that he has hidden golden tickets inside his candy bars. The children lucky enough to find them will receive a tour of his mysterious factory.

Charlie becomes one of the winners.

Soon he’s entering a place filled with strange inventions, Oompa-Loompas and rooms where the normal rules don’t seem to apply. He’s joined by a collection of children whose personalities are considerably larger than Charlie’s: Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teavee.

One by one, their worst habits catch up with them.

Underneath all the candy and comedy is a story about character. Charlie doesn’t have the money, possessions or confidence of some of the other children, but he has something Wonka values considerably more.

A Musical Made for Younger Audiences

Willy Wonka Jr. adapts Roald Dahl’s story into a shorter musical designed for young performers and family audiences.

That makes this a particularly approachable introduction to live theater for children. The story moves quickly, the characters are broad and funny, and the chocolate factory gives the production plenty of room for visual creativity.

The Granite Theatre describes its production as featuring catchy songs, colorful sets and the story’s familiar mix of kindness, courage and imagination.

And in this case, there’s another group of kids involved beyond those sitting in the audience.

The Granite Theatre’s Summer Camp Takes the Stage

The August production is connected to the Granite Theatre’s summer theater camp and youth education program.

The theater’s summer program is open to young performers, with rehearsals taking place during the first two weeks of August before the public performances on August 15. The Granite’s educational program emphasizes more than learning lines and songs, using theater to help young participants develop confidence, communication and performance skills.

That changes the character of the weekend a little.

Audiences aren’t simply watching another production in the Granite’s regular season. They’re seeing what a group of young actors has been building toward during an intensive stretch of rehearsals.

For parents with children curious about performing themselves, it also offers a chance to see what the Granite’s youth programs can eventually lead to.

About the Granite Theatre

Granite Theatre is one of downtown Westerly’s intimate performing arts spaces, presenting musicals, plays, special performances and educational programs throughout the year.

The theater operates as the nonprofit Renaissance City Theatre and has built its season around a mixture of familiar musicals, dramas, comedies and family productions. Its 2026 schedule includes Oklahoma!, Almost, Maine, The Crucible and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, in addition to its youth productions.

The relatively small theater also means audiences sit close to the stage, which can be particularly fun for something as colorful and character-driven as Willy Wonka Jr.

The Granite is located at 1 Granite Street in downtown Westerly, within walking distance of the shops and restaurants along High and Broad streets.

A Family Weekend in Downtown Westerly

For families looking for an indoor activity during one of the busiest weekends of the summer, Willy Wonka Jr. offers an alternative to another afternoon at the beach.

It’s also short enough and familiar enough to work for children who haven’t attended much live theater before. They already have an easy doorway into the story: five golden tickets, one enormous chocolate factory and a man nobody can quite figure out.

Then the curtain goes up.

Event Details

Dates: Saturday, August 15, 2026 (Friday is sold out)

Times: 11am & 12pm

Event: Willy Wonka Jr.

Location: Granite Theatre

Address: 1 Granite Street, Westerly, RI 02891

Presented By: Renaissance City Theatre / Granite Theatre

Production: Youth summer theater production

Recommended For: Families and audiences of all ages

Box Office: (401) 596-2341

Parking: Downtown Westerly parking is available in the surrounding area. Because the theater is in a historic building and accessibility accommodations can be limited, guests with mobility needs may want to contact the box office before attending.

More Information

More information is available at the Event Website link below.

To purchase tickets, click the Event Ticketing link below.