For nearly 20 years, Christian Youth Theater (CYT) has provided children in the Fredericksburg area with opportunities to learn about theater and perform on stage. While it was founded as a Christian-based organization, CYT is open to children ages 8 to 18 of all faiths. Their mission has been to create a safe and welcoming community and give as many kids as possible an opportunity to participate in the performing arts.
Case in point is their latest production: “Willy Wonka.” Executive producer Aimee Mestler chose the play because it fit with CYT’s core goals.
“It is one of the most beloved stories for me, from my childhood,” Mestler said. “I was looking for something that would be inclusive for all ages. It has a fun vibe with a really sweet message and something we can plug a lot of our kids into and showcase. At CYT, we really try to showcase the gifts and talents that the kids have, not just focusing on our needs, but trying to look at every person and every piece of the ensemble as a valued part.”
Actors in CYT productions are recruited from classes during the school year and from summer camps. When children register for the classes, they can also audition for upcoming performances.
“Willy Wonka” has a cast of 77 children, which can be a large task to direct and manage. Director Connor Worthington has been involved with CYT for eight years and is also a theater teacher at Chancellor High School. He said the response to auditions for “Willy Wonka” was overwhelming.
“The really crazy thing is we had 106 kids audition,” Worthington said. “It’s great to have that many kids involved in it, but tough because we knew realistically, 100-plus kids on a stage is hard to do.
“Unfortunately, we had to make some tough cuts there. We were able to narrow it down to 77 which still feels like a lot. It’s cool to see how many kids are excited and want to be involved, and we try to give as many of them an opportunity as possible.”
With the help of choreographer Brianne Cook and music director Jake Key, Worthington divided the cast into sectional rehearsals and then brought them together for the final scenes. The play is crafted to involve as many actors as possible through the addition of scenes that aren’t found in the movie versions.
“There’s a fun scene in act one where we first meet Augustus Gloop and he gets interviewed after finding his golden ticket,” said Worthington. “He talks about how he just eats and eats and eats. His mom kind of leads the song. As we see with these kids, the parents aren’t always the best role models. Then all these cooks come out with trays of food. I think the audience is going to love that one.”
“Willy Wonka” will be performed June 6-8 and June 13-15 at King George High School, but promotions are happening this week. Much like the story of the play, CYT has hidden golden tickets at businesses around downtown Fredericksburg.
“We’re hiding those every week; a golden ticket in a local business,” Mestler said. “Whoever finds that ticket; the instructions are on it to email our business manager, Krista McKinley and she hooks them up with two free tickets to the show.”
If you go
“Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka,” King George High School, June 6-8 and June 13-15. Tickets are $15-20, available at the door or online at https://www.cytfredericksburg.org/shows/Willy-Wonka/45
