OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida (CF) invites you to experience the magic of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka on April 3-6 at the Dassance Fine Arts Center, located at 3001 S.W. College Road. This live musical production, performed by CF students, offers a fresh take on the classic tale with a steampunk-inspired aesthetic.

A cast of 30 students will bring the story to life with colorful costumes, dynamic choreography, daring stunts, and those songs you may remember from the 1971 film.

“The 50 talented students involved in this extraordinary show are having the time of their lives while learning incredible skills,” said Nonalee Davis, CF assistant professor of theatre and the musical’s director. “We are bringing the wild, mechanical world of the chocolate factory to life, and it’s an engaging, visually captivating experience. Stunts performed by the cast add an extra layer of thrill, while the student tech crew has created intricate mechanical contraptions that make the kinetic energy possible. The result is an unforgettable blending of entertainment and education – in the most exciting way possible.”

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Who can take a sunrise, sprinkle it in dew – cover it in chocolate and a miracle or two? The Candy Man can. – Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

The production is a collaboration among CF’s theatre, music, and dance departments, with Dr. Jason Longtin as music director, Justine McDaniel as choreographer, and Abigail Stallings overseeing costume design.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. April 3-5 and 3 p.m. on April 6. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for non-CF students, available at cf.universitytickets.com or by calling 352-873-5810. CF students, faculty, and staff can attend for free with valid ID.

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