Sing Hosanna! will bring Roald Dahl's “Willy Wonka Jr.” to the stage for midweek showings June 20 and 21 at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College.

The show is under the direction of Ralph Christy Jr. and features more than 40 area students.

In the role of the Candy Man himself will be Camden Rockcastle, 15, of Butler.

The Butler High School student has been in many Sing Hosanna! productions and said he was thrilled to land the role of Wonka.

“Two things I really enjoy about playing this character are singing the song “Pure Imagination,” and spending time with Grandpa Joe (played by Luke Pfeifer) and Charlie (played by Than Archer),” Camden said.

“This is one of my favorite shows because I get to spend time with them.”

For Camden, it's not just about his fellow actors though, it is also about the fellow he portrays.

“Willy Wonka is a fun and light-hearted character. I like all the songs he sings, especially the song “Pure Imagination” which is the opener of the musical,” he said.

The role of the young Charlie Bucket will be filled by Nathanael Archer, 13, of Penn Township.

The Aquinas Academy eighth-grade student has also been featured in many Sing Hosanna! shows, but he said he has a soft spot in his heart for Charlie.

“Charlie Bucket is a positive little boy who loves his family and will do anything for them,” said Nathanael.

“He helps me to think of the bright side of things,” he added.

This is a meaty role for Nathanael, who noted that the many solos in a variety of tunes can be challenging.

“This is a fantasy story about real problems with children who need to learn valuable lessons,” he said. “Chocolate may excite all of them, but for one character, telling the truth is the most important thing,” he said.

Charlie's Grandpa Joe will be portrayed by Luke Pfeifer, 19, of Butler Township.

“Throughout the show, Grandpa Joe is basically Charlie's motivation and support,” said Pfeifer.

He noted it is interesting portraying and singing like an old man reliving his youth.

“His unwavering positivity ... even in some scenes where Charlie himself has kind of given up, Grandpa is always there with an encouraging bit of advice,” he said about the best part of the character.

Isaac Hixon, 15, of Forward Township will be playing the role of Mike Teavee, who tours the chocolate factory with Charlie and his Grandpa.

“He is a cowboy kid character,” said the fifth-grader from Evans City Middle School. “It can be really hard to act without laughing at the situations.”

“I love portraying his enthusiasm,” Isaac added.

Pfeifer called the story's message “timeless.”

“The lessons it teaches were important when it was written, and they remain important today. In short, the show is an entertaining look into your own nature,” Pfeifer said.

Camden said he thinks this is a great show for families.

“This is a really fun show,” Camden said, “and I think that anyone who comes will be filled with wonder, excitement and 'Pure Imagination.'”

WHO: Sing Hosanna!WHAT: “Willy Wonka Jr.”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. June 20 and 21WHERE: Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $15, not reserved, available at May’s Music Shoppe or from cast membersINFO: 724-586-0042 or info@singhosanna.org