Director Shannon Donovan and producer Connie Donovan are having a sweet time assembling the world of Willy Wonka for Butler Little Theatre's summer youth production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

A cast of more than 20 youth will take to the stage and behind the scenes in the Roald Dahl classic, adapted by Richard George.

The show opens Thursday and will run through July 17.

Carrie Peters 20, of Winfield Township was selected to portray Willy Wonka.

“He's an eccentric man full of mysteries and he always seems to know more than he actually lets on,” Peters said.

“He has more passion than anyone I've ever known and is determined to share his candy, his life's work, with the entire world.”

This is her first real lead with the bulk of the lines and a stage presence during the show, so rehearsing off stage and in between scenes isn't really an option.

“I am learning to trust myself to know my part. Thus far, it's been working and it's quite a relief knowing that I don't have to worry about my lines,” she said.

Peters said she has never seen the stage version of this show, only the movies.

The role is a big one to tackle, and she is taking it personally.

“He's a very iconic character and I don't want him to be similar to any previous actors who've played him nor to any of the past characters I have played,” Peters said.

“I suppose I'm preparing for him, then, by working on giving him his own voice and keeping him original, yet familiar enough to recognize as the great candy maker we all know.”

Peters, who is a third-year nursing student at Butler County Community College, last acted in the role of Shere Khan, the villainous tiger in last summer's BLT youth production of “Jungalbook,” an Edward Mast adaptation based on the Mowgli stories of Rudyard Kipling.

The role of Charlie is being played by Colten Vietmeier of Butler Township.

The 10-year-old will be entering fifth grade at Connoquenessing Elementary in the fall, and this is his first time on the big stage.

“I think Charlie is very sweet and humble. He's always worrying about other people even if he doesn't know them,” Colten said.

“He always follows the rules. Because he's very poor, he doesn't expect a whole lot,” he added.

Colten, who prepared for the role by reading the book, believes he's a lot like Charlie which makes playing him a bit easier. He's also learning a lot about acting.

“Because I know my character well, I am learning that even though some things aren't on the script, that I can still do them,” he said.

Playing the incorrigible Mike Teavee is 9-year-old Owen Boring of Center Township.

“He really likes television and he likes gangsters, fighting and shooting. He's a brat and not a very nice kid,” Owen said of his character.

Owen said he is enjoying the role because it's so different from his own life.

“I can be loud and it's fun to play an annoying, kind of mean character,” said the fourth-grade student from Center Township Elementary.

He's seen both the movies and read the book, he said.

“I like the Inventing Room, the Great Glass Elevator, and the scene when Mike Teavee gets shrunk,” he added, noting that he is enjoying the experience with all the young actors and crew.

The sassy gum chewer Violet Beauregarde is being portrayed by Lexie McCurdy 9, of Plain Grove Township in Lawrence County.

“I most definitely bring my sass, loud voice, and my ability to talk very fast to this character. I am learning that I can do way more than I thought I was capable of,” said the fifth grader from Wilmington Middle School.

She said she's preparing for the role by eating blueberries.

Playing Augustus Gloop is Sam Miller, 9, of Center Township.

“He is, as the oompa loompas sing, a great big greedy nincompoop. He really, really, really likes chocolate and he eats it all the time. Augustus gets into a little bit of trouble in something called a chocolate river,” Sam said.

From Baloo the Bear in the “Jungalbook” to Grandpa Joe in this year's show, Montana Simpson, 19, of Butler is showcasing his versatility as an actor in this new role.

“My ability to cooperate with everyone and my passion for community acting are what will make this role a success,” said Simpson, extolling in the camaraderie of the cast and crew.

Christian Cendrowski, 17, of Saxonburg is filling the role of Mr. Salt, Veruca's father.

“He is very caring for his daughter so much that he would do or get anything for her. He is very proper as well, and acts a little bit like he is better than everyone else,” said Christian, who played Akela in “Jungalbook.”

“The best thing is getting to learn more and more about characters as well as getting the chance to work with kids and play make believe the two hours we are there,” he said.

Also starring in the show are Sarah McAllister, Naomi Eberle, Spencer Brackett, Emele Cammisa, Lynze Ball, Austin Cook, Tara Potter, Madison and Emma Kish, Nick Graham, Rowan Smith, Lucas Rivera and Isaac Boring.