Tacoma Children's Musical Theater at Tacoma Musical Playhouse has the golden ticket for a musical for all ages. The stage version of Willy Wonka hits town, formatted for children. At an hour and a half (including intermission), it's the perfect length for young children. The play is recommended for ages four and up.

Based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl this adaptation also includes songs from the classic film with Gene Wilder, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. 

Willy Wonka follows Wonka as he is searching for someone to take over the factory and allow him to retire. The play also follows Charlie Bucket as he dreams of a chance to tour Wonka's factory and see for himself if the secret workers are, in fact, "undead zombie workers."

The majority of the cast has appeared on the TMP stage before. The most notable is Kellen O'Brien, who made his main stage debut as John Darling in Peter Pan. O'Brien plays Charlie Bucket and is easily one of the best performers on the stage.  The whole cast is made of talented singers and dancers, and the performance is infused with energy and enthusiasm. 

During intermission the cast walks up and down the aisle with Theo Chocolates for sale. The candy is $5 each and goes to help cover the costs of the Tacoma Children's Musical Theater's costs. Not only is it a sweet way to support the theater, there is a chance to win a tour of a real chocolate factory! Theo Chocolates made the candy bars specifically for TMP and if you unwrap a golden ticket you get to pretend you're Charlie on your way to meet an Oompa Loompa! 

The lighting, set and special effects help transport the audience to Wonka's factory. During Act II, the audience is pulled into "the Fizzy Lifting Room" with the use of a bubble machine. There were squeals of delight from the kids in the audience when the bubbles came floating down. 

If you have young children who have never been to see live theater, or you're just looking for something fun to do as a family, Willy Wonka at Tacoma Musical Playhouse is a winner. 

[Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Willy Wonka, through Feb. 26, 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $12-$17, 7116 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.565.6867]