Step into a world of pure imagination with Charlie Bucket, a boy whose dreams of finding a Golden Ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s over-the-top chocolate factory come true. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory makes its regional debut at Arizona Broadway Theatre, March 8 – April 14, 2024.

The musical will take audiences on a wild ride as Charlie and his newfound friends meet a world full of surprises, innovation, and of course, Oompa-Loompas. Adapted from Roald Dahl’s iconic children’s novel, the stage show includes music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Arizona Broadway Theatre’s production is also directed by Anthony C. Daniel, the associate director for the National Tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. 

“From the moment you walk in the doors, you will be transported into a candy land dream,” said Kiel Klaphake, Arizona Broadway Theatre CEO. “The set, handmade by local artisans, the costumes, the performances, are all a feast for the eyes. We even worked with beloved local chocolatiers at Cerreta’s Candy Company to design a special “Charlie Chocolate Bar.” The customized milk chocolate candy bar is not only delicious but also a tasty souvenir from a magical night at the theatre!”

Unlike any other theatre in the Valley, Arizona Broadway Theatre provides an all-encompassing experience combining world-class dining and entertainment. For each show, a team of award-winning chefs create a customized menu. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory audiences will enjoy a meal inspired by the show, including Violet Beauregarde’s chewing gum debacle.

“We are thrilled to be the first theatre in the Valley to produce this show, which helps further our mission to bring new and exciting programming to residents across the West Valley,” said Kurtis Overby, artistic director at Arizona Broadway Theatre. “The cast for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is remarkable and Jamie Parnell will wow audiences as Willy Wonka. He is a multifaceted individual and incredibly gifted performer who embodies the lead character like no one else could.”

In addition to Parnell, the colorful and heartwarming show features 24 cast members including many local favorites like AJ Riddle and Lucas Moran as Charlie Bucket, Hannah Bentley as Mrs. Bucket, Alyssa Armstrong as Cherry, Josey Terry as Grandma Georgina and Charlie Hall and Christopher Arellano in the ensemble.

To round out the delicious performance, Arizona Broadway Theatre mailed 400,000 prizes to select households. Many lucky winners will get a chance to live out their chocolate factory dreams with prizes like tickets to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, free Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delight dessert treats and more. All prizes must be redeemed at the Arizona Broadway Theatre box office.

Tickets are on sale now for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and can be purchased at www.AZBROADWAY.org, in person, by contacting the Box Office daily between 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. at 623.776.8400 or by email at info@AZBROADWAY.org.

About Arizona Broadway Theatre

Arizona Broadway Theatre is located in the heart of the P83 entertainment district off 77^th Avenue and Paradise Lane, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria, Ariz., 85382.

ABT Performing Arts Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Arizona’s one-of-a-kind, award-winning, state-of-the-art professional theatre showcasing locally and nationally acclaimed artists and providing palate-pleasing sit-down table service prepared fresh daily to accompany the award-winning on-stage fare. One reservation allows patrons to enjoy a whole night’s entertainment without rushing around the Phoenix sprawl. Support from the community sustains professional musical theatre produced in the Northwest Valley. It also allows ABT to create and deliver youth programming that educates and engages students across metropolitan Phoenix. www.azbroadway.org 

1. State-of-the-art fully climate-controlled Class A storage facility.
2. 90,000 rentable square feet – 875 storage units in many sizes
3. Unique very large, air-conditioned drive thru loading bay for complete protection from the elements when loading and unloading items.
4. Noke Smart Entry System – best in class security system with state-of-the-art electronic smart entry access into facility and units
5. Multipole elevators for convenience
6. Free use of moving truck at move in
7. Professional and knowledgeable onsite management team
8. Locally owned and operated in Arizona – shop local and support local businesses – we owe and operate facilities throughout Arizona.
9. We sell boxes and moving supplies for convenience.
10. Great option for residential and commercial storage needs. 

• Logo on all marketing collaterals, event program and event signage
• Complimentary banner ad on Directory page of Peoria Chamber website
• 30-minute educational session to showcase business to attendees
• Recognition of sponsorship in monthly Peoria Chamber newsletter and on social media
• 300-word business spotlight in Peoria Times publication
• Vendor Booth

• Logo on all marketing collaterals and event program
• Complimentary banner ad on Directory page of Peoria Chamber website
• Recognition of sponsorship in monthly Peoria Chamber newsletter and on social media.
• Vendor Booth

Peoria Forward Venture Challenge

Pitch + Community Celebration 

The Peoria Forward Venture Challenge is back! Edson E+I and The City of Peoria are excited to gather the West Valley community for a fun celebration of entrepreneurship.

Celebrate the West Valley's vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and cheer on finalists pitching for a chance to win their portion of $30k. Then, enjoy a complimentary catered dinner, drinks, and a private screening of the newest Ghostbusters movie. Don't forget to grab some delicious Harkins popcorn as you cap off the evening with your West Valley friends and family in front of the big screen!

About the event:

• Thursday, March 28th @ Harkins Lake Pleasant Cine Grill from 5pm-9pm

• Cheer on entrepreneurs as they pitch for their share of $30K

• Connect with local entrepreneurs and access entrepreneurial resources

• Discover businesses and nonprofits across the West Valley

• Enjoy a free movie, dinner, and snacks following the pitch competition

RSVP to join the celebration!