COCOLAMUS — Wonka Bars were brought to life with the release of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” in 1971. That’s more than three decades before Ian Strawser was born.

That didn’t stop the East Juniata High School senior from thrusting his arms in the air to show off the scrumdiddlyumptious treats he held in each hand.

Strawser, who plays the role of eccentric yet mysterious chocolate factory owner Willy Wonka, was promoting the musical at a recent Theater Character Breakfast for the East Juniata Theatre Department production of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka.”

The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket (Nina Malocu) on his visit to Wonka’s chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of this fantastical tale. The latest musical production by East Juniata is guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth.

“We are very, very excited for this musical,” said Theater Advisor and Director Jacqueline Malocu. “We wanted to do something that was family-friendly and fun for kids.

“We did ‘Grease’ last year, and it went over big in the community,” she added. “We wanted to do something that would appeal to a lot of age ranges.”

Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” was the choice.

Wonka stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his famous candy bars. Whomever comes up with a ticket wins a free tour of the factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats; the fifth is a likable young lad, Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather, Grandpa Joe, who is played by Wesley Somers.

The children must learn to follow Wonka’s rules in the factory or suffer the consequences.

The rest of the cast includes Adelynn “Oscar” Beaston (Grandma Georgina), Addison Benner (Violet Beauregarde), Josef Book (Mr. Bucket, Candy Man), Jacey Brubaker (Ms. Teavee), Wyatt Burdge (Mr. Salt), Katelyn Dietz (Veruca Salt), Addison Dimm (Mrs. Beauregarde), Rebekah Ehrisman (Mrs. Gloop), Addy Feltman (Mrs. Bucket), Adelie Fisher (Sophie), Abigail “Max” Hughes (James), Chase Kerstetter (Mike Teavee), Camden Feltman (Phineous Trout), Wyatt Longacre (Grandpa George), Emma Mattern (Matilda), Lily Poorman (Grandma Josephine) and Simon Svicky (Augustus Gloop). There are also an additional 20-plus candy kids, Oompa Loompas, cooks and squirrels.

“It is a very lively show,” Malocu said. “There’s lots of amazing scenery and costumes.” And the actors are fabulous, too.

Malocu expects the musical will take audiences on a fantasy ride into the land of pure imagination.

Last year, “Grease” drew a sold-out crowd for the final performance. “The first night, there was a good crowd, but it progressively got more and more full,” Malocu recalled. “By Sunday, we were sold out. There were so many people standing in line, they broke our ticketing system. We had to sell general admission tickets.”

Malocu said a candy-themed concession stand will be available, along with trading cards for sale in the lobby. Proceeds from the sale of both benefit the theater department.

“We want everybody to have a fun experience when they come to the theater,” she explained.

Show times are 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at: www.showtix4u.com/event-details/81472 and the cost $9.23 for regular admission and $7.25 for students.