Charlie Bucket is an ordinary child, and the luckiest boy in the world. The mysterious and reclusive Willy Wonka presides over his chocolate factory, making fabulous, delectable candies. When Willy Wonka announces that five Golden Tickets will allow five children entrance to his factory, Charlie starts to dream about the secrets of the scrumptious chocolate factory and the marvels inside. Roald Dahl’s imaginative book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been loved by children and adults since its publication in 1964. The classic story, where the good are rewarded and the bad are sucked up tubes and dropped down chutes, is filled with memorable characters, unexpected magic and indescribable wonders.

Pure Imagination! Games & Activities Just for Kids
Delve more deeply into the world of Willy Wonka and his wonderful factory with these ideas of things to try and think about before you come to the Theater!

Calling All Grown-Ups!
We know you'll have a great time bringing the children in your life to see Willy Wonka. So, in addition to the activities designed to enrich their experience, here are a few more, exclusively for you!

A Brief History of the Play and Its Sources
From the book to the movies to the stage—learn more about this story’s journey from Roald Dahl’s imagination to CST’s Courtyard Theater.

Delving Deeper
Even more to explore in the world of Willy Wonka!

The Cast
See who’s who among the actors, with their bios, headshots and resumes.

The Creative Team
See who’s who on the creative team—the director, designers and other artists who contribute to the creation of the world of the play.

The Process So Far 
When guest director Joe Leonardo was in Chicago for casting and design meetings, he talked about some the challenges involved in directing Willy Wonka.

The Making of an Inventing Room
From model to performance, follow the steps the CST design team took to create a room in Willy Wonka’s factory.