Stages Theatre is kicking off its summertime production of "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka" in true Willy Wonka fashion: With a golden-ticket promotion.
The show opens Friday at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, and Stages is planning a Mall of America promotion next Tuesday, when the Wonka cast will perform scenes for "Toddler Tuesday" at the megamall. The performances are scheduled for 10 and 11 a.m. at the Best Buy Rotunda on the mall's east side.
During the event, Willy Wonka candy bars will be given away to kids from 10 to 11:30 a.m., as long as supplies last.
And 15 of those candy bars will contain a Golden Ticket entitling the finder to two season packages of tickets for four shows during Stages' 2010-11 season.
Special wrappers on all the candy bars also can be used to claim one free child's ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket to a show.
Willy Wonka will run through Aug. 1 at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, 1111 Mainstreet. Tickets are available at www.stages theatre.org or by calling 952-979-1111.
Cost is $15 for adults and $12 for children age 5-17 and seniors 60 and older.
Lap passes also are available for free for children 2 and younger, and for $5 for ages 3-4.
