WillieWonka is coming to The Family City. And Lynndie Wagner can hardly wait to bring her granddaughter to the major production that is being put together by the Cornerstone Community Church Theater.

“It’s going to be a huge production. Close to 60 people are in the cast,” said Wagner, office manager of Cornerstone Church located on East Highway 120 on the corner of Comconex Road.

The cast of Roald Dahl’s Willie Wonka under the direction of Michealle Hoag has been getting ready for the show since July, rehearsing at least three times a week. Rehearsals are being held in the church’s preschool building.

While this is being produced through the auspices of the church, the show will be open to the general public. Performances will be held in the church sanctuary. Show times are Friday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 9, at 4 p.m.

Admission is $5 per person; $10 for preferred seating which will be the first three rows. Tickets will be available at the door, or they can be purchased in advance at the church office.

Hoag, who has a degree in theater and the wife of Pastor Scott Hoag, is not just the show’s director. She is also in charge of costumes and production sets with the help of her crew members made up of church members.

Wagner said the church is doing the Willie Wonka show for the community.

“We’d love to have people come and enjoy an afternoon theater, or evening theater. Bring your whole family. It’s going to be a great family occasion. People will not be disappointed,” she said.

“And who doesn’t like Willie Wonka? That was my granddaughter’s favorite movie. She’s 15 now and she’s coming with me (to the show). I can’t tell you how much my granddaughter and I watched Willie Wonka,” she added.

Wagner’s granddaughter is Ashlaynn Rhodes, a sophomore at Ripon High School.

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka being shown at Cornerstone is adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy A. McDonald based on the book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Words and music are by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newly.

For more information about the Roald Dahl’s Willie Wonka production and how to obtain advance tickets, call the church office at (209) 825-1220 during business hours: Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.