Roald Dahls Willy Wonka JR. Cast

Gemma Benkert (Mrs. Beauregarde)
Juniper is now having their 4th show with Cal Drama Shakespeare Showdown, The Haunting of Hathaway House, Elf Jr. Other roles in productions include: Tweedle Dum from Alice in Wonderland Jr. and Mrs Beauregarde from Willy Wonka Jr. (This production!) In their spare time, Juniper enjoys watching true crime, studying animals, and writing. Juniper’s dream roles in musicals are Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors, Veronica Sawyer from Heathers, and Elder Price from Book of Mormon. Juniper is excited to be on stage with their fellow peers and would like to give thanks to their friends and family, and their dog, Stanley.
Rowan Benkert (Ms. Teavee)
Willy Wonka Jr. is Rowan Benkert’s first production with Cal Drama but third production overall. Favorite roles she has played include: Bulda (Frozen Jr.) and Tweedle Dee (Alice in Wonderland Jr.) She hasn’t done a show in years and is excited to get back into theater with her role of Ms. Teavee, Mike Teavee’s mother, this winter! Rowan loves to make art and read in her free time. She gives her thanks to her family that has come to visit and those who couldn’t but are cheering her on in spirit.
Hazel Blanke (Oompa Loompa)
Hazel Blanke is excited for her 5th performance, but 1st with CAL drama. Some of her previous performances include Ed in the Lion King, and The March Hare in Alice in Wonderland. Hazel loves drama because of the community as well as the fun of expressing yourself through dancing, singing, and acting. Her dream roll is cinnamon( =) ). After practice she spends her free time playing guitar, crocheting or knitting, and listening to music. Special thanks to her Mom, Dad, her grandparents, her plant Plantie, and her three dogs.
Gabriella Carmona (Oompa Loompa)
Gabriella Carmona is thrilled to be taking the stage as an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka! This will be her second Cal Dramatics production, following Deb in last year’s Elf Jr. She has most recently been seen as Ross in Macbeth for Kids at Sacramento Theatre Company, where she also works in the Young Professionals Conservatory. Some of her dream roles include Anita in West Side Story and Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support and is excited to see where the theatre takes her next.
Ella Haug (Oompa Loompa)
This will be Ella’s 5th show with Cal Drama (Aunt Elizabeth, Sam, Moonshine, Popular Clown, and now Oompa Loompa). Another favorite role is Schoder from You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (YAS). Ella also performs for Young Actors Stage and has done 4 shows with them. Some of her dream roles include Hermione Granger, Annabeth Chase, Katniss Everdeen, Tris from Divergent, and Sophie Foster. Ella loves books and is a huge bookworm. What Ella loves about theater in short is the experience and if she were to describe it in the fullest this would be an essay. Ella would like to thank her parents, brother and rest of her family for being very supportive love you guys!
Oliver Herda (Mike Teavee)
Oliver Herda makes his debut with Cal Drama as Mike Teavee in Willy Wonka Jr. He has been on crew for the Cal Dramatic 2021 performance of Elf Jr. Oliver enjoys running and socializing. Some of his dream roles include Kurt or Ram from Heathers, Beetlejuice from Beetlejuice, as well as Ryan from Highschool Musical. His favorite thing about theater is making friends and the thrill of being onstage with something to do. A special thanks to his friends and family for inspiring and supporting him throughout the experience of Willy Wonka Jr. and Elf Jr.
Erika Herrera (Oompa Loompa)
Erika (Oompa Loompa, Oomp loomp)is a singer and dancer, she has sung and danced in front of many audiences. She enjoys it and loves it to bits. Erika enjoys Cal's theater system because it's fun, expressful, and she can show off her talents with other people that are very talented. She loves making new friends and theater was an amazing way to do so. Erika loves having fun and experiencing new things, she'd love to thank her parents for encouraging her and supporting what she loves, she loves them a lot and can't wait to perform for them!<3
Nikoleta (Nik) Mahon (Willy Wonka)
Nikoleta (Nik) Mahon is making her Cal Drama debut as Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka Jr. Dream roles include Troy Bolton in High School Musical, Danny Zuko in Grease and, Sharpay from High School Musical. Nikoleta's first ever role was Spencer Hathaway From The Haunting of Hathaway house. Her favorite thing about Cal is all the amazing friends she has made along the way. She would like to thank her loving friends and family for always supporting her every step of the way and being there through her hardest times and best.
Avery Mann (Phineous Trout)
This will be Avery’s fifth show with Cal Dramatics. Roles she enjoys to watch include: Beetlejuice from Beetlejuice, Olaf from Frozen, Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast, Sharpay from High School Musical. She enjoys softball and spending time with family and friends. She gives thanks to her mom, dad, and Cooper.
Olivia McCurdy (Veruca Salt)
Olivia McCurdy is making her Cal Drama debut as Verucaan Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka jr. Dream roles include Lydia Deetz in Beetle juice the musical and Heather Chandler in Heathers the musical. Olivia likes reptiles and doing boy scouts. Her favorite thing about Cal Drama is meeting new people. Special thanks to Mom,Dad,Bo,Link,Pickle,and future gecko, Dequevius Decuan.
Alejandra Mendez (Mrs. Bucket)
Alejandra Mendez is making her debut as she plays Mrs. Bucket in Willy Wonka Jr. in Cal Drama. She looks forward to being involved in more productions, as she has enjoyed Cal Drama. Alejandra also likes do do crochet, read, and write. She thanks her family and friends for sticking with her through her life.
Karsten Mills (Mr. Salt)
Karsten Mills is making his Cal Drama performance debut as Mr. Salt in Willy Wonka. His favorite role is Thomas Brent from The Haunting of Hathaway House. Karsten plays golf and enjoys long calls with friends. His favorite thing about Cal Drama is the community. Special thanks to all of his family, friends and Harry Lent.
Izzie Morrish (Oompa Loompa)
This is Izzie's debut for Cal Drama as an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Favorite roles include: Delphini from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Karen from Mean Girls the Musical. Barbra from Beetlejuice. Taylor from High School Musical. Donkey from Shrek. Izzie plays Ukulele and enjoys reading and writing. Their favorite thing about theater is meeting new people with similar interests. She would like to thank my friends and family for helping, and supporting me no matter what.
Rosa Maria Orozco (Mrs. Gloop)
This is Rosa Maria’s second full production with the drama program at Cal Middle (Charlotte Denon, Elf). Only starting theater last winter, she has many roles she would love to play. Some of them include Anita (West Side Story), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), and Mortica Addams (The Addams Family). Being a part of the Young Professional Conservatory at Sacramento Theater Company has made her love for theater grow even more. But most of all, she enjoys being part of an amazing community that comes with being in a show. She sends many thanks to her family and friends, for their full love, support and encouragement
Jkaia Paschal (Violet Beauregarde (Understudy)/ Makeup Crew Leader)
Jkaia is a former dancer. She been making the best of her role as understudy for VIOLET BEAUREGARDE and has full experience but always was willing to learn and has an open mind. And also enjoys doing Willy Wonka Jr. Oompa Loompa makeup. She also enjoys being a big part of Cal Middle theater.
Alexa Sanchez (Oompa Loompa)
Alexa Sanchez is making her Cal Drama debut as an Oompa loompa in Willy Wonka. Alexa has also been a costume designer for The Haunting of Hathaway House for Cal drama. She also has done Mexican folklorico for 9 years. Her dream roles include Kathrine(Newsies), Anna(Frozen), Elsa (Frozen), Audrey 2(Little Shop of Horrors), Anita(West side story), and Belle(Beauty and the Beast) . Alexa’s favorite thing about theater is getting to play different characters and making new friends.
Margot Spann (Oompa Loompa)
Margot Spann is making her Cal Drama debut as a Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka. Favorite roles include Red Riding Hood in Into The Woods ( La Canada Junior Theater) and Aaron Burr in Hamilton. Margot plays piano and loves acting. Her favorite thing about theater is growing as an actor and singer, while still making new friends. She gives special thanks to her family.
Josslynn Walcott (CandyMan Kid, Cook, Squirrel)
This will be Josslynn´s first production with Cal Drama. Josslynn loves riding her longboard and playing Animal Crossing in her free time. Her favorite musicals are The Sound of Music and Hamilton. She will continue to do plays in the future. She would like to thank her mom, dad, and others for helping her.
Jacob Watson (Augustus Gloop)
This will be Jacob’s fifth show with the Cal Dramatics program (Haunting of Hathaway House, Elf Jr, Romeo and Juliet, Middle School the Musical(original musical), and Willy Wonka Jr). Some of his favorite roles with Cal Dramatics include, Tybalt from Romeo and Juliet and Fake Santa from Elf Jr. His dream roles include Lord Farquade (Shreck), King George III (Hamilton), and Roger Davis (Rent). In Jacob’s spare time he enjoys martial arts, music, and soccer. He would like to thank his parents for reminding him to put them on instead of his taekwondo master like last year.
Raleigh White (Violet Beauregarde/Understudy: Willy Wonka)
Raleigh White is excited about her 2nd performance with Cal Drama as Violet Beauregarde. Other favorite roles include Elsa in Frozen Jr., young Fiona in Shrek Jr., Nala in Lion King Jr., and Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland Jr., with Young Actors Stage. Her favorite part of theatre is performing in front of an audience and making friends with others in the cast and crew. She is happy that she can participate in this amazing performance of Willy Wonka, and would like to thank her family for their support.
Vanessa Zhu (James/Cook/Squirrel)
Vanessa Zhu is making her Cal Drama debut as James in Willy Wonka Jr. Future goals include attending university abroad and mastering ice skating. She enjoys writing and drawing. Her favorite thing about Cal Drama is learning things with the other actors and actresses. She wishes to thank her family for their support.
Eli Zoffel (Oompa Loompa)
Eli Zoffel is making their Cal Drama debut as an Oompa Loompa in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Dream roles include Littia from Beetlejuice and Chad from High School Musical. Eli plays the viola and enjoys drawing. Their favorite thing about Cal Drama is being with friends and like minded people. Special thanks to family and friends for supporting Eli throughout their life.
Emily Zyirek (Grandma Georgina)
This is Emily’s first production with Cal Drama, playing as Grandma georgina. Dream roles include: Danny Zuko, and Sandy Olsson, both characters from the musical Grease. Her favorite thing to do in Cal Drama is make friends. She thanks her family and friends for the love and support she receives from them.
Nola Creekmore (Grandma Josephina)
This will be Nola’s second production with Cal Drama (Ms. Phipps, Haunting of Hathaway House) Nola will be playing Grandma Josephina in Willy Wonka this year. Nola really likes to do art specifically digital art. Also, Nola likes to play video games. Her favorite thing about theater is that there are so many different things to do. She wishes to thank her friends and family for love and support.
William Knowdell (Charlie Bucket/CandyMan)
William Knowdell will be making his Cal Drama debut as Charlie in Willy Wonka .Favorite roles include Olaf in Frozen and Maui in Moana. William plays football and enjoys hanging out with friends. His favorite thing about Cal Drama is making new friends. Special thanks to Mom, Dad and his brother James.
D'Angelo Mixon (Charlie Bucket/CandyMan)
D’Angelo Mixon will be making his debut with Cal Drama as Charlie Bucket. He has graced the stage many times starting with his first play as Young Simba in The Lion King Jr., Seussical The Musical, and Annie Jr. with former school David Lubin. Since then he has appeared in multiple short films/videos and just wrapped up his first acting role in an upcoming film directed by Ryan Fleck and Anna Bolden which has made him SAG/AFTRA eligible. His favorite thing about Cal Drama is working with other amazing actors and directors and learning more about acting. D’Angelo loves to sing, play basketball and football. D’Angelo looks forward to being a part of the Sacramento Children’s Chorus in the Spring.