La Porte ISD's Baker Sixth Grade Campus will present Roald Dahl's "Willy Wonka Junior" on May 6, 7, 13 and 14 in the Baker Cafeteria. The production will begin at 7 p.m. at the campus, located at 9800 Spencer Highway.

The musical, based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, is directed by Tracy A. Rider, who is in her first year as the Baker choir director. She was assisted by social studies teacher Sherry Edwards. |

The musical is the result of the formation of the Musical Theatre Production Club at Baker this year. As the group began meeting, Rider realized that the students who signed up "definitely had the talent to put a show together," she said.

"We have been working on large group numbers most Friday mornings since November, and the leading actors and actresses, along with their parents, have made a huge commitment to between two and four after-school rehearsal per week since March," Rider said. "I am hoping to make this annual event as enduring a tradition as the musical that our theatrical big brothers and sisters produce each year at La Porte High School."

The show is a 70-minute one-act version of the beloved story of Charlie, Willy Wonka and the rewards one can reap through honesty and good character, Rider said. "All of the familiar characters show up, from selfish Veruca Salt to the Oompa Loompas," she said.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for youths ages 6-17. Children ages 5 and under are free. Seating is limited. For reservations, call 281-604-6853.