DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Randy Leslie

There’s something magical about walking into a theatre and feeling, even for a moment, like anything is possible. At Christmastime, that feeling somehow becomes even bigger. Maybe it’s the lights, maybe it’s the music, maybe it’s that collective hopeful buzz we all carry this time of year… but it’s the perfect moment to step inside a world where wonder, generosity, and imagination lead the way.

That spirit is at the heart of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Yes, this musical is filled with candy-coated chaos, mischievous children, and Oompa-Loompas delivering sly moral lessons—but beneath all the spectacle is a story about gratitude, humility, and believing in goodness even when the world feels a little cold. Charlie Bucket might not have much, but he has hope, heart, and a family who loves him. And really, isn’t that the most Christmassy message of all?

Bringing this production to life has been a joyful challenge. The musical comes with a long history and plenty of expectations, but our team embraced the task with the same spirit as opening a beautifully wrapped gift—full of curiosity, delight, and a touch of mischief. You’ll see magic, spectacle, and big theatrical moments, of course. But you’ll also see warmth, kindness, and that spark of belief that reminds us what this season is truly about.

Our cast—both our rising young performers and our seasoned artists—have poured their hearts into this chocolate-swirled holiday adventure. Watching Henry approach Charlie with such earnest wonder… seeing Nathan slip into Willy Wonka’s eccentric brilliance… and witnessing our ensemble shape this quirky universe with colour and joy… it’s been a present I get to open every single day.

I’m immensely grateful—especially during this season of gratitude—to the entire creative team: Spencer for his musical magic, Ethan for keeping the sleigh on course, Gracelyn for adding sparkle to every movement, our designers for imagining a factory worthy of Dahl, and every parent, volunteer, and student who has supported this journey.

As the snow falls outside and the holiday season wraps around us, I hope this production brings you a sense of joy, nostalgia, and wonder. Take a deep breath. Step into the factory. Let the lights, the laughter, and the music warm you from the inside out.

Welcome to the world of pure imagination… and a little Christmas magic.

— Randy Leslie
Artistic Managing Director
Kelowna Actors Studio

Song List

ACT I  

The Candy Man .................... Willy Wonka & Full Company

Willy Wonka, Willy Wonka  .................... Charlie, Willy Wonka, Company

Charlie, You and I  ....................  Grandpa Joe, Charlie

A Letter from Charlie Bucket  ....................  Charlie, Mrs. Bucket, Grandparents

More of Him to Love  ....................  Mrs. Gloop, Augustus, Gloop Troop

When Veruca Says  ....................  Mrs. Salt, Veruca, Ballet Brats

The Queen of Pop  ....................  Violet, Mrs. Beauregarde, Gum Chompin' Divas

That Little Man of Mine  ....................  Mrs. Teavee, Mike, Circuit Breakers, Teavee Team

If Your Father Were Here  .................... Mrs. Bucket, Grandparents, Charlie

I've Got a Golden Ticket/Grandpa Joe  ....................  Charlie, Grandparents, Mrs. Bucket

It Must Be Believed to Be Seen  ....................  Willy Wonka & Full Company

ACT II  

Strike That Reverse It  ....................  Willy Wonka, Golden Ticket Winners/Parents

Pure Imagination/Grandpa Joe  ....................  Willy Wonka, Golden Ticket Winners/Parents

Auf Wiedersehen  ....................  Oompa Loompas, Willy Wonka

You Got Whacha Want  ....................  Violet, Mr. Beauregarde, Willy Wonka, Circuit Breakers

Veruca's Nutcracker Sweet!  ....................  Veruca, MR. Salt, Willy Wonka, Squirrels

Vidiots  ....................  Circuit Breakers, Mrs. Teavee, Mike, Willy Wonka

The View From Here  ....................  Willy Wonka, Charlie

Finale  .................... Full Company

Sponsors

Cast

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Nathan Flavel

Willy Wonka | Executive Producer | Projections | Set Design

Nathan is the Co-Founder and Executive Producer of Kelowna Actors Studio. Though he has stepped onto the KAS stage many times before, this marks his very first journey into the curious, cocoa-scented world of Willy Wonka; a role he has dreamt of exploring. When he’s not juggling Oompa-Loompas or chocolate rivers, Nathan can be found serving as Regional Managing Broker for Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. He is especially delighted to share this adventure with Henry, whose heart and imagination shine brightly as Charlie, and with a cast of exceptional storytellers who make the factory sparkle from scene to scene. Deepest appreciation to the brilliant artistic team and the tireless crew whose behind-the-scenes wizardry keeps the magic humming.

Henry Greenham

Charlie Bucket

Henry has done a few shows at Actors Studio over the past few years. Henry was in the ensemble cast for Madagascar, played Flounder in The Little Mermaid and in Wonka he was Mike Teavee. Most recently, with the YPC Jr. Group he played in Disney's "Dare to Dream". Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is Henry's first Mainstage production.

Chris Derochie

Grandpa Joe

Chris is overjoyed to step into the shoes (or slippers!) of Grandpa Joe—one of his all-time favourite characters from one of his all-time favourite stories. A lifelong fan of the Gene Wilder film, Chris has loved Charlie and the Chocolate Factory since childhood, making this role a true golden ticket moment. This production is extra special as it’s the first time Chris' real-life partner, Maureen (who plays Grandma Josephine and Cherry Sundae) is also his on stage partner. A completely different challenge from his last role as Robert Langdon in The Da Vinci Code, Grandpa Joe lets Chris lean fully into warmth, humour, and imagination. Off stage, Chris and Maureen are voice and on-camera actors, and this year marks Chris’s 40th year in the animation industry.

Jaxsen Speckman

Augustus Gloop | Company

It is with pride that Jaxsen welcomes you to this sweet as sugar show: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Jaxsen has been doing theatre for 5 years now and has not been able to escape since. When Jaxsen is not at the theatre he is attending his Grade 11 year of high school at MBSS. If you recognize Jaxsen on the stage tonight you may have seen him in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Scorpius Malfoy), Sweeney Todd; the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Adolfo Pirelli), Matilda (Michael), and many YPC and MainStage productions. Stepping into this role has been both incredibly fun due to the comedic nature of the character and amazingly supportive cast, as well as incredibly sweaty due to the stocky German clothing you may see him in tonight. Enjoy the show!

Karen Shale

Mrs. Gloop

Karen is thrilled to be part of this fantastic show - chocolate and Christmas are two of her favourite things! This production marks her 36th show with KAS and what an incredible ride it has been - she is beyond grateful for every opportunity to be on stage doing what she loves...pretending to be someone else!! She hopes you enjoy this wonderful show full of sweets, fun,, music and...sausage! Happy Holidays!!

Skylar Naiman

Violet Beauregard

Skylar is thrilled to be apart of this December's show! She loves the christmas season and believes this show is an amazing way to spread cheer. Skylar is a recent graduate from KSS and has been infatuated with KAS since her first kids show in 2014. Aside from performing she is a teacher for Studio Kids classes, a stage manager, and a part of the Young Performance Company. Some recent credits include Sweeney Todd (Company) and Hadestown: Teen Edition (Eurydice). Look out for her next season! Enjoy the show and a very Merry Christmas!

David Fung

Mr. Beauregarde

David is delighted to step back onto the KAS stage with such a talented cast and creative team. He feels grateful to be a part of bringing this Roald Dahl story to life as he was a beloved author in the home when David’s children were young. David hopes you enjoy the witty, whimsical and mysteriously fun world of Wonka! Look for him next season in Pretty Woman and Guys and Dolls!

Cate Crozier

Veruca Salt

Cate is so pumped to be a part of this magical show! She has been doing theatre for almost a decade now, and is so grateful for all the joy it has brought her over the years. She’d like to thank this wonderful cast and creative team for all their support. Enjoy the show and the holiday season!

Chris Nyarady

Mr Salt | Grandpa George

This marks Chris's 5th production with Kelowna Actors Studio, after Waitress (ensemble), Singin' in the Rain (Rosco Dexter), The DaVinci Code (Rémy), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Naphtali). Chris would like to dedicate this performance to his ever-patient fiancée for encouraging him throughout this theatre-filled year. Thank you, Sheila! Here's looking to more on stage fun in 2026!

Ethan Landygo

Mike Teavee

Ethan is thrilled to leap into the whimsical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Recent roles include Judah in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Eddie in Mamma Mia!, and the fabulously dramatic Carmen Ghia in The Producers. Offstage, Ethan works full-time here at KAS, and just in the last year or so has stepped into the directing world. Credits include Waitress, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: School Edition with our Young Performance Company, and most recently Sweeney Todd this last fall. Ethan sends huge thanks to his family for their endless support, and to Randy, our Artistic Managing Director, for always cheering him on. He’s delighted to sprinkle a little extra sparkle… and maybe a hint of mischief onto this delicious production.

Carly Beckner

Mrs. Teavee

Carly Beckner is a performing arts enthusiast through and through! In her youth, she trained as a competitive dancer at Accentz Dance Studio, where she especially thrived in musical theatre. Nowadays, Carly is a choreographer (The Esther Project), an actress represented by Spotlight Talent, and even a server for KAS shows! If you think you recognize Beckner from the KAS stage, you are absolutely right! A few roles include Lina Lamont in Singing in the Rain, Rizzo in Grease, and Linda in Evil Dead. Enjoy this terrifically tasty, and twisted, musical!

Payton Bischoff

Mrs.Bucket | Company

Payton is so excited to be a part of this delicious show. Payton is so grateful to be given the opportunity to portray the role of Mrs.Bucket. This show has been buckets and buckets of fun! You may have seen Payton before as Johanna in Sweeney Todd, Hermes in Hadestown: teen edition, Carlotta in Phantom of the Opera, and Patty Simcox in Grease. You can catch her next as the opera singer Violetta in Pretty Women. She hopes you enjoy this trip to a world of pure imagination.

Maureen Cameron

Grandma Josephine | Cherry Sundae | Company

Maureen is delighted to be back on stage at KAS making Charlie and Chocolate Factory her fifth production with the studio. She had an amazing experience earlier this season in Waitress, and when not on stage, Maureen can be found serving drinks at the theatre! When not covering “Chocolate News”, you can hear her reporting the early morning news on both AM1150 and 101.5 GO FM. She also voices commercials and narrates audiobooks and educational videos. Maureen is mother to three fabulous grown children but sooooo not ready to be a grandma yet, especially if she must share a bed with three other doting grandparents!

Carmen St. Amand

Mrs. Green | Grandma Georgina | Company

YEARS AGO ( !! ) when Carmen was reading her favourite book, “CHARLIE”, for the umpteenth time, she never dreamed she would be in the play one day!!! Even though this story is silly and goofy, there are important lessons to be learned!! Carmen hopes your holiday season is a fantastic one, and she wishes to thank her incredible family ( at home & here at the theatre) for all of their encouragement and support. ENJOY❤️❤️❤️

Demitria Caron

Company

Demitria is thrilled to be performing in her very first mainstage production with this incredible cast and crew! Previous shows you might have seen her in include Hadestown as Orpheus, The Phantom of the Opera, and West Side Story. Being part of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been such a wonderful and inspiring experience, and she’s so grateful for the opportunity to bring this story to life. She hopes you enjoy this sweet and imaginative show.

Zoe Blevens

Company

Zoe is thrilled to be in this incredible show and her second MainStage production. You may have seen her recently in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat or Hadestown - Teen Edition with the Young Performance Company. Zoe is so grateful for this opportunity to work with this talented cast and crew. She wants to thank every single person who helped this magical show come alive. Enjoy the show!

Jordyn Richter

Company

Jordyn is so excited to perform in this show! She has been with KAS for 5 years now and has been in productions like Matilda, Hadestown, Harry Potter and now Charlie and the Chocolate factory. Jordyn hopes you enjoy the show!

James Affleck

Company

James is ecstatic about performing in MainStage for his first time here at Kelowna Actors Studio. After performing in teen productions for the Young Performance Company, he hopes to continue moving up in MainStage. Earlier this year, you may have seen him in The Esther Project as Haman/Eric at Creekside Theatre. Since then he’s been itching for a new opportunity to perform! James hopes you enjoy the show!

Libby Cliffe

Company

Libby is thrilled to be a part of this magical production! Some of her past KAS credits include Les Misérables (Constable/Babet), The Phantom of The Opera (Lefevre/Ballet Girl), Matilda (Scary Big Kid), and most recently Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Aridah). You can see her next in YPC’s Raise Your Voice. Libby wishes you Happy Holidays and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Madison Sutch

Company

Madison is so excited to be part of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Being in the ensemble has been such a fun experience, and she’s loved getting to help bring this magical story to life!

Becca Von Krosigk

Company

This is Becca’s first MainStage show, she is very excited to join this production of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory! She loves this show and knows you will too! Her previous shows include Les Miserables, The Phantom of The Opera, Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, Into the Woods and Hadestown. Becca is extremely grateful to everyone involved in this production. And hopes you enjoy the show! Oompa Loompa doopa de do!

Randy Leslie

Director | Light & Wig Design

Randy Leslie, Artistic Managing Director and co-founder of Kelowna Actors Studio, has been a driving force in the Okanagan theatre community for over twenty years. An award-winning director and educator, Randy is the proud recipient of multiple Okanagan Arts Awards, the City of Kelowna’s prestigious Honour in the Arts Award, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to arts and culture. Renowned for his imaginative staging and deep commitment to nurturing young performers, Randy has directed dozens of KAS favourites, including The Da Vinci Code, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hadestown: Teen Edition, Sweeney Todd, Mamma Mia & The Wizard of Oz. He is thrilled to bring his love of storytelling and theatrical magic to this festive production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Joanne Ryan

Assistant Director

Joanne loves working around the theatre and has thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the cast, crew and creative team of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! When she’s not spending time with her son, her husband and her two very bag dogs, you can spot Joanne running around the theatre shaking drinks, sewing on buttons, cajoling the team into making silly TikToks, and even performing on stage. Watch out for Joanne in our upcoming production of Pretty Woman!

Spencer Bach

Music Director

Spencer is so proud of the entire cast, crew, and creative team! Charlie has been a real “treat” to work on and is sure to be a family favourite. Thank you so much for joining us this holiday season. Looking forward to a stellar 2026! Much love, as always, to Jo, Des, Cole, and Richard.

Gracelynn Sali

Choreographer

Gracelynn is thrilled to have had the opportunity to help bring this classic story to life on stage! She is in her final year of her undergraduate degree at UBCO and is grateful to pursue her education while sharing her love of dance with the patrons of KAS. Gracelynn has fond memories of the story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from her childhood and has loved experiencing all the nostalgic details once again. She would like to thank her family for their unwavering support. Enjoy the show and Merry Christmas!

Gareth Jones

Technical Manager | Light Design

Gareth is an experienced professional theatre technician. Starting in the late '80s at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London’s West End for the original Miss Saigon. He went on to work shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard, and various shows at The Royal Opera House and Theatre Royal Haymarket. Enjoy the show!

Abigail Dehod

Stage Manager

Abigail has worked on countless productions here at the Kelowna Actors Studio, having most recently Deputy State Managed Sweeney Todd and Stage managed Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat this summer. At age 23 she has worked on productions for nearly nine years. Including roles such as programming, lighting design and assistant teaching. Its truly become an incredible passion of hers and is thankful to be given many opportunities in theatre. She wants to thank the cast and crew for what a blast its been to work on such fantastic show. She hopes you enjoy this magical production and wishes you a very Merry Christmas.

Randy Garrecht

Assistant Stage Manager

Radar, as he is known around KAS has been a part of the KAS family for just over a year now. He can be found hanging lights, building sets, and crewing shows. Radar has also had several cameos over the past year in different shows but prefers to showcase his talents behind the scenes. The 2025 season was fantastic, but he can't wait for the 2026 season. It will be epic!!

Ian Rafael Piqueres Bonner

Sound Technician

Ian is truly excited to be a part of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He has been in the entertainment industry working on sound for the past 10 years, covering a full range of concerts, theatre and all kinds funky and wonderful productions. Ian feels blessed to be a part of the community at the Kelowna Actors studio this season. After a year of pies, rain, mysteries, magic and thrills, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a sweet way to finish his first year at the Actors Studio.

Laurie Brown

Costume Designer and Puppet Maker

Award winning fashion and costume designer Laurie Brown is proud to have recently joined the KAS team and continue to add her expertise to the stage. From headlining runway shoes to the winner of STITCHED Season 1 Episode 6, Laurie is a must watch fashion designer with runway performances that push limits and keep you on the edge of your seat. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry, Laurie has worn many hats and rubbed shoulders with many talented folk along the way. From ink-infused evening gowns, looks that literally change on the runway, over a decade on set in film and photography, to custom bridal and ready to wear, she loves to catch the attention of the least interested person in the room. Laurie loves bringing the ordinary and extraordinary to life before your eyes, and she looks for to the year ahead to wow you!

Hazel Rodgers

Costume Assistant

Hazel is a longtime member of the KAS family and Costume Assistant. Over the years, she has helped bring to life many of the memorable costumes audiences have come to know and love in past productions. With her creativity, attention to detail, and passion for theatre, Hazel continues to help shape the visual magic on stage.

Marvin Turner

Master Carpenter | Set Construction

Marvin is the Master Carpenter of the building and the powerhouse behind every set you see. With skill, precision, and relentless dedication, he turns raw materials into theatrical magic, building the worlds our stories live in—one flawless structure at a time.

Viv Suel

Properties

Viv is the creative force behind the whimsical detail that fills our Chocolate Factory. With an infectious love for theatre and an eagle eye for the perfect prop. She hopes you leave tonight with a smile as sweet as the show. Enjoy Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

Stacey Baker

Set Decor

Stacey has been doing Set Decor for KAS for many years. She always brings to life each set she works on whether it takes place on the Riviera for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Bedford Falls in It's It's A Wonderful Life, or the brick road for The Wizard of Oz set - she can do it all. Enjoy the show!

Tabitha Jones

Crew

Tabitha Jones is an 18-year-old who has been involved in theatre for most of her life, both onstage and behind the scenes. Her most recent credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, where she worked as the fly operator handling numerous cues throughout the show, and Sweeney Todd, where she operated the trap door for the barber’s chair. A well-versed member of KAS, Tabitha loves every moment she spends there. She’s thrilled to step into the whimsical, magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and hopes you enjoy our vibrant, imaginative production.

Tyson Smith

Crew

Tyson is excited to be part of his first MainStage crew! He’s been involved with Kelowna Actors Studio for five years and loves helping out with kids’ classes whenever he can. When he’s not at the theatre, Tyson enjoys spending time outdoors with his family. He’s so proud to be part of this production, enjoy the show!

Dylan Ringguth

Crew

Dylan is thrilled to crew this fun show! She is in grade 11 at KSS and has been a part of the Actors Studio for 4 years. Dylan is a part of the Young Performance company and helps with some kids classes at the studio. In the new year you can see Dylan in Carrie, she hopes you enjoy the show!

Addison Palmer

Spotlight Operation

Addison has been at KAS for over five years and this is her first time doing spotlight for a MainStage show. Addison is in the Young Performance Company JR where she is performing in the Revue show this January. She will be playing Beetlejuice in March with the double semester class. She is so excited to be able to a part of the magic for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Enjoy the show!

Kathleen Lafferty

Spotlight

Kathleen is beyond excited to be part of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory alongside incredible people.

Shannon McMahon

Playbill | Administration & Box Office Manager | Beverage Manager

Shannon is our Administration Manager and a key part of the Actors Studio team for four years, overseeing both the bar and the box office. This show marks an exciting milestone as Shannon heads off on maternity leave - she thanks you for being part of the magic and hopes you enjoy the show!

Kim Ansley

Front of House Manager

Kim has been a part of the Actors Studio family for many years and manages our front of house and kitchen operations. Her leadership and passion help create the welcoming atmosphere our patrons know and love. Kim hopes you enjoy the show!

Sasha Yunick

Box Office

Sasha is the familiar face of the daytime Box Office, known for her warm professionalism and exceptional customer service. She’s also often found here in the evenings, as her daughter is on spotlight for this show and a part of YPC JR - meaning Sasha is, in one way or another, always in the building!

Jordan Leboe

Sound mix | Mic Operations

Jordan has been doing sound for musical theatre for nearly 20 years. He has worked on dozens of shows over the years and enjoys the unique challenge each show brings. During the day you can find him in vineyards scattered throughout the Okanagan growing grapes for a lot of your favorite local wines.

Special Thanks

Kellee Piattelli

Christy Lynch-Staunton

Cindy Atkinson

Sunbelt Rentals 

One Peak Creative 

Linda Yearwood

Bev Sharpe

Becky Marks

Dayna Culham

Maryann Fiske 

Sponsors