Studio East and StoryBook Theater launch anniversary seasons with fall performances

Performances of Willy Wonka and Hansel & Gretel will take place throughout October and November.

By Hannah Saunders • September 26, 2022 7:52 am
Students perform Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka at Studio East. Courtesy of Studio East.
Students perform Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka at Studio East. Courtesy of Studio East.

Founded in 1992 to provide theater arts education to young people on the Eastside, Studio East will launch their 30th anniversary season with Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka this October. Studio East’s StoryBook Theater, a professional adult touring troupe which introduces young children to live theater venues through the Puget Sound region will also launch their 25th anniversary season with the classic childhood tale, Hansel & Gretel.

For Willy Wonka, 48 students between the ages of 8-16 will perform live at Studio East Kirkland, located at 348 Kirkland Avenue. The story follows five children who win golden tickets to tour an elaborate chocolate factory–Willy Wonka’s to be exact. Along the way are misadventures of four bratty children, clever tunes from grumpy Oompa Loompas and one kind boy named Charlie.

Willy Wonka is a 90-minute performance that includes an intermission, with tickets costing $25. Performance dates will available tickets include:

  • October 7 at 7:30 p.m.
  • October 8 at 2:30 p.m.
  • October 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Studio East’s take on Hansel & Gretel is presented by Premera Blue Cross, and will be performed at the Renton Carco Theater, located at 1717 Maple Valley Highway, and the Kirkland Performance Center, located at 350 Kirkland Avenue, in October and November.

The 55-minute original musical features a squabbling brother and sister duo, Hansel and Gretel, as they travel through a forest in search of tasty treats. Along the way, the duo meet a chef who has a hunger for the siblings, and the siblings must learn the importance of working together.

StoryBook Theater will perform Hansel & Gretel at the Renton Carco Theater on October 22 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with tickets costing $15. Kirkland Performance Center showings include:

  • October 29 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
  • October 30 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m
  • November 19 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Shows on October 22 and October 29 will be ASL interpreted. The cast will also present two sensory-friendly performances with special ticket prices of $7 per viewing; the shows will be held in Renton Carco Theater on October 22 at 3 p.m., and Studio East in Kirkland on October 29 at 3:30 p.m.