Roald Dahls Willy Wonka Cast

Thomas Loudin is thrilled to return to the BCT stage as Charlie Bucket! Thomas will be in fifth grade at Tennerton Elementary School this fall. Thomas loves theater, having appeared in BCT productions as “Crush” in Finding Nemo Kids, “Flick” in A Christmas Story, the “Mayor of Munchkinland” in The Wizard of Oz, and a chorus member in Frozen Jr. Thomas enjoys playing the piano, playing soccer, hunting, and was in the WV All-State Children’s Chorus this past year. He wants to thank his family and friends for their support, and the BCT directors for helping him bring the character to life. Break legs to all fellow cast members!

Bryce O'Loughlin is a musician and video artist from Buckhannon, WV. He made his BCT debut in the 2000 production of "Fiddler on the Roof." In 2023 Bryce played the role of Tinman in BCT's "The Wizard of Oz."

Dannie Stiles, a nationally renowned entertainer, graces stages across the country, representing West Virginia with his captivating performances. Familiar with the BCT stage, he delighted audiences as Reinfeild in Dracula back in 2019, and now he's thrilled to make a return. His talents extend beyond the theater; you can catch him on various television shows like Ghost Brothers Lights Out, Legendary Locations, and Americas Scariest Places. Additionally, he's been featured in several JC Film productions. Alongside his artistic pursuits, Dannie serves as the Social Media and Public Relations Director for the BCT Board of Directors. He honed his craft through studies in acting and tech theatre at Garrett College, and he's currently on the final stretch of completing his Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Grand Canyon University. He is the current reigning Mr. Gay West Virginia United States and will be competing for the title of Mr. Gay United States next spring.

Spencer Mearns is a Sixth Grade Student at BUMS. This will be his fifth production with Buckhannon Community Theatre, having made his debut as Wesselton in Frozen Jr., The Wizard of Oz., A Christmas Story, and as Bruce in "Finding Nemo Kids" When not on stage, Spencer enjoys soccer, video games, Halloween, and watching television dramas with his mother.

Abigail C. Benjamin is excited to join the cast as Veruca Salt. She has previously appeared as Ester Jane in A Christmas Story and Young Elsa in Frozen. Abigail has performed in Junie B. Jones, Mary Poppins, Wizard of Oz and Finding Nemo. Abigail loves to sew, draw and dance.

Riley is going in to 5th grade. Summer of 2023 was her first year doing any kind of acting. She was in the BCT production of Wizard of Oz and was a munchkin, flying monkey and a poppy. She enjoys playing outside, going hiking, playing in the water and playing multiple sports. She is involved in 4-H and youth group at her church.

Julian will be a 6th grader at the Buckhannon Upshur Middle School. This is his fourth BCT production. He played a munchkin, flying monkey and lended his vocals in the Wizard of Oz, Ralphie in A Christmas Story, and Marlin in Finding Nemo Kids. In his spare time he enjoys reading, playing soccer, and singing. He has enjoyed all of his time spent with BCT and hopes to continue his involvement in the years to come.

Shane Vassar is making his BCT Debut. He is a software engineer with CGI and a proud father of Chesley who is playing a cook in this production as well. He has been married for 27 years. He is originally from Mount Clare WV, and now calls Buckhannon home. He enjoys camping, video games and sci fi movies.

Abigail Benjamin is thrilled to join the cast as Charlie's Mom, Mrs. Bucket. She has performed in BCT's Clue, Wizard of Oz, and Miracle on 34th Street. Abigail is an environmental lawyer, co-owner of Argo Books and a Mom of 7.

Katie Loudin (Mrs. Gloop) has had so much fun this summer in her role with this extraordinary cast! Katie earned a Bachelors degree in Applied Music in voice and violin performance from WVWC in 2007. Katie has enjoyed music and theater throughout her life, having appeared most recently as the Mother in A Christmas Story. Other favorite roles include “Maria” in BCT’s The Sound of Music (2011), “Cinderella” in BCT’s Into the Woods (2013), “Bonnie” in WVWC’s Anything Goes, and “Annie” in Danville Light Opera’s Annie. She loves to share the stage with her son, Thomas, and to help bring performing arts experiences to the community. Thank you to Adam, my family, and everyone who has come out to support local theatre!

Matt is making his second appearance in a BCT production after debuting as Scarecrow in last years Wizard of Oz. Matt played Romeo twenty years ago and more recently in 2015 he played Uncle Max in The Sound of Music in a town in Western Colorado with less than 450 residents. Because of such a limited cast, he also got to play the priest that married his wife (playing Maria) to another man (playing VonTrapp)! Matt also enjoys helping the productions with set design and building. When not on stage, Matt practices as an attorney in Buckhannon, helps to homeschool his five kids, and plays the mandolin poorly.

Lauren enjoys life as a homeschooling mother of 5, who also delights in her part time jobs selling children's books and coaching gymnastics for The Gym Zone. Lauren's first performance was in high school as a stepsister in Rodger's & Hammerstein's Cinderella. She fell in love with musicals and played roles such as Molly in Annie Jr., Liesel in The Sound of Music, and Sandy in Grease in her high school productions. After a decade of being a college student and raising children, she got back into theater via her small town community theater and starred as Maria in The Sound of Music. Her debut for BCT was as one of the 3 apple-throwing trees in The Wizard of Oz in 2023 and is so excited to be back on the stage in Willy Wonka as Violet's mother, Mrs. Beauregard.

Leah has been doing theater most of her life! She has a bachelors in Theatre: Acting and Directing from Radford University and a Masters from University of Phoenix in Elementary Education. She currently teaches 2nd grade. Leah recently directed BCT’s murder mystery shows, The Single Man and Death by Dessert. Most recently you have seen her on BCT’s stage as: CeeCee Windham in Rex’s Exes and The Red Velvet Cake War, A Jitterbug in The Wizard of Oz, Mrs Peacock in Clue: On Stage, Shellhammer in Miracle on 34th Street, Viney in The Miracle Worker, Ouiser in Steel Magnolias, she has also been seen repeatedly in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which you can see her in again this October. Leah is most thankful for her daughters, Anya and Amelia. She is always her parents and grandparents for helping and always being her biggest supporters. She would also like to thank her friends for being her cheerleaders and sounding boards

John Antonik Jr. I am a Morgantown native. I am new to community theater but have some middle and high school musical theater experience. I am excited to be a part of this production and community.

Mary has resided in Lost Creek, WV for 30 years, since moving from the Baltimore-Washington area with her husband Mike. A retired attorney, retired homeschool mom of six grown children, current part time piano teacher, and singer, and handbell ringer at her Church in Weston, Mary was last seen on stage as Professor Marvel/The Wizard in BCT's 2023 production of "The Wizard of Oz." Mary has performed in many BCT productions, as well as Fairmont State University's Town & Gown community productions. She can relate well to her role as Grandma Josephine, as she and her husband are now the proud grandparents of five grandchildren.

My role as Colonel Mustard in 2022 was a great reboot of why I have enjoyed BCT productions for three decades. I have been blessed to have a second family, my Theatre one. It, too, is held together with work, patience, compromise, and most of all. love. My performances are dedicated to both families. Thanks for keeping me young at heart. I was glad to return this spring as everyone's favorite Uncle Aubrey in Rex's Exes a character I loved playing in Red Velvet Cake War.

Jon is a professor of Graphic Design at West Virginia Wesleyan College and owner of Argo Books. Jon's first stage performance was as a dinner guest for the Dance Factory's production of the Nutcracker in December 2023. Jon later played the makeup artist, Luka and the dance instructor, Milagro in BCT's production of The Single Man in February 2024

After returning to Buckhannon in 2007, I became involved in BCT and have enjoyed costuming many productions. In the spring of 2023, I performed on stage for the first time as Mama Doll in Red Velvet Cake War. Since then, I have been privileged to perform in Death by Chocolate and The Single Man. In Rex's Exes, I was thrilled to reprise the persona of "Mama Doll." and I am just as excited for Grandma Georgina.

Jaron has been doing productions with the BCT for the past two years and the middle school productions this year. His favorite has been The Wizard of Oz and last year’s middle school spring show. He loves performing, whether it is singing, doing improve, or learning a particular part. He enjoys making people laugh and can’t wait for more opportunities to do just that!

Peter Oliverio is entering 5th grade at Buckhannon Academy. This is his first BCT production, and he is so excited because he loves Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He studied ballet, jazz, and tap dance at Movement in Dance Studio and was in their production of The Nutcracker. He is a member of The Pioneer Choir, plays football, and wrestles. He enjoys science, and advanced to the State Science Fair this year.

Arthur Stott made his debut with BCT's The Wizard of Oz in 2023 as a Munchkin, Flying Monkey, and a Winkie. He also played Chip, the scientist in Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School's "All the Ways the World Will End, but Not You". He has helped backstage, with set design and in the sound booth for The Dance Factory's Nutcracker and 2024 dance showcase. He's excited to sing and dance as an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka.

Josie is a fifth grade student at French Creek Elementary School. This is her first production with Buckhannon Community Theatre. She discovered a love for the stage while performing “The Grouch” with her fourth grade class. Josie has two dogs- Elsa and Lucy. In her spare time, she enjoys playing basketball with SYC, vocal lessons, and being involved with Frenchton Community Church. She is looking forward to many more performances with BCT in the future

Samuel Stott started his theater journey as a Munchkin Town Father and Flying Monkey for BCT's The Wizard of Oz 2023 production. He loves singing and is looking forward to entertaining many with his song and dance as an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka.

Amelia Morehead will be in 7th grade this fall at B-UMS. She plays french horn and cornet in the band. She loves playing soccer and lacrosse. She was also a member of B-UMS Theater Club and Improv Group. She appeared in their Spring production of All the Ways the World Will End, But Not You and also their fall production of Will You Be My Nemesis. You have previously seen her on stage on BCT’s stage as: Barry in The Single Man, a waitress in Death by Dessert, and Niko in The Wizard of Oz.

Harper has been acting and singing in productions half her life, starting with a small production at The Dance Factory and continuing with the BCT for the past three years. She loves to be around her theater family and feels at home on stage. No matter the part, she puts her all into it and is always sad when the experience is over. She has ventured to the wardrobe department of a show too and loves finding the right outfit for characters.

Melody is 14 and is starting her freshman year of high school. She is excited to be in her first play! She enjoys art, horseback riding & jumping, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Josephine ‘Jojo’ DiStefano is excited to be a part of BCT! This summer she participated in her first production, Finding Nemo Kids, as the lead roll of Nemo. Jojo loves gymnastics, cheer, singing and art. She will be in 3rd grade at Buckhannon Academy Elementary School in the Fall.

Alexis is 13 years old and has enjoyed her theater family and wishes they had started sooner. She loves to sing and dance and showcase her personality to an audience. She is honored to be a part of the cast in the amazing production of Willy Wonka.

Ava Trent is 14 and going into 9th grade at BUHS. She has been acting since she was 5 years old and has been in numerous plays with BCT as well as movie productions. While at BUMS, she both performed in and assistant directed their Theatre Club productions. Ava was selected for 2024 WV All-State Choir and is the 2024 WV Strawberry Festival Junior Royalty Queen.

Teresa Benjamin is happy to join the cast as Matilda. Teresa has performed in BCT's Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins and Miracle on 34th Steet, Teresa has three cats and a bunny. She loves to draw, read and dance.

Genesis is 8 and a half year old and loves theatre. This is her third show with BCT. She was in the Wizard of Oz as a Lullaby League Munchkin and in Finding Nemo Kids as Pearl. She enjoys swimming, dancing, singing, art, playing outside, being with friends, trivia, and math/science. Genesis is a part of the Dance Factory and takes ballet and acrobatics classes. She is going into 3rd grade at Buckhannon Academy Elementary. She is excited for Willy Wonka 🍭

Ann is 17 years old and excited for her Senior year. She loves playing piano, spending time with family and traveling. She also loves her tiny dog, Lexi! She has always loved watching theatre and is excited to be performing on stage for the first time!

I am home-schooled, will be a junior this upcoming school year, I have been in 4-H for 10 years, this is only my second show first was wizard of Oz (ensemble), when not busy I like to read, hang out with friends and bake

Bethany Jones is 19 and just returned from California where she completed her freshman year of college. She is an elementary education major and loves to travel. She is thrilled to be in her first production! She has had a life long love of theatre with the highlight having seen Phantom of the Opera in NYC

Chesley is made his BCT debut in A Christmas Story He is an active 12 year old who enjoys his friends and eating his favorite food Mac-and-Cheese. He would like to let his mom and dad know he loves them. “I love you mom and Dad”.

Ava is 10 years old. She performed in The Wizard of Oz last summer, A Christmas Story and came back to work with BCT again for Finding Nemo Kids. She is an aspiring artist who enjoys making all sorts of art.

Michal is 7 years old and loves theatre. This is her third production with BCT. She was a Munchkin in the Wizard of Oz and a Jellyfish/Sea chorus in Finding Nemo Kids. She enjoys using her imagination and is often found adventuring in many far away lands while playing. She loves to dance, cheer, sing, do improv, watch masked singer, and be silly. She takes classes at the Dance Factory which includes ballet, acrobatics, and tap. She will be in 2nd grade at Buckhannon Academy Elementary. She is excited to be a squirrel in Willy Wonka 🍭

Isabella Stott has caught the performing arts bug and reveled in her roles as a Munchkin and Flying Monkey in BCT's The Wizard of Oz (2023). She also loved dancing as one of the angels in The Dance Factory's Nutcracker (2023). Becoming a ballerina has been a lifetime goal for her and her first year dancing in ballet did not disappoint. She is so excited to play the focused role of a squirrel in Willy Wonka this summer.

Harvey Stott jumped on the bandwagon when the rest of the family decided to go out for BCT's The Wizard of Oz in 2023 (as a 5 year old). He learned a ton about singing and acting and... sitting in one spot for more than 5 minutes. ;) With his newfound curiosity, he decided to take a gymnastics class at the GymZone as well as Intro to Ballet and Tap at The Dance Factory and found he enjoyed performing, even if the weekly practice part was tiring. He is taking his role as a nut-checking squirrel in our Willy Wonka show very seriously. He can't wait to try on his new tail!