View dozens more photos of the performance here.
“Come with me and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination,” Willy Wonka entreats his eager guests.
Iola High School’s drama department takes it from there with their presentation of “Willy Wonka Jr.” at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.
The musical production is based on the classic children’s book, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” by Roald Dahl. It has been adapted for multiple movies, including a prequel called “Wonka” that is due in theaters in December.
The IHS version is a delightful buffet filled with catchy tunes, colorful characters and astounding antics.
Drama teacher Regina Chriestenson said she picked the musical because she thought interest would be high with the new movie on the horizon, and because it offers an opportunity to highlight a talented group of performers.
Indeed, be prepared to gorge yourself on a smorgasbord of vocal versatility.
BRIGHAM Folk tackles the iconic role of Willy Wonka, the reclusive owner of a chocolate factory who offers a rare visit for five lucky children who find a “golden ticket” hidden inside one of his candy bars.
Folk takes to the role with confidence and gusto, wearing a regal purple jacket and fancy top hat. He’s even perfected the Wonka walk, crossing the stage with a deliberate high step and twirling his cane like a baton. 
Jenna Morrison is the eager and optimistic young Charlie Bucket, whose family indulges the child’s love of chocolate and pursuit of a golden ticket despite their extreme poverty. Morrison captures Charlie’s hopeful persistence with a performance that’s both enthusiastic and wistful.
Max Andersen, meanwhile, dominates the role of the jovial Grandpa Joe. His vocal talent hearkens to the Golden age of classic crooners. Once Charlie finds the final golden ticket, Grandpa Joe accompanies him on the tour, which includes a hilariously bubbly incident with a fizzy drink. Andersen and Morrison clearly enjoy the scene.
The other golden ticket winners shine in their roles as naughty children accompanied by clueless parents.
Everett Glaze will have you bursting with laughter as the gluttonous German, Augustus Gloop, while his brother, Kendall, tackles the rib-tickling role of Mrs. Gloop.
Rebekah Coltrane is the “deliciously bossy” and entitled Veruca Salt, aided by an indulgent Donovan Nee as her father. 
Layla Newkirk sparkles as the gum-obsessed Violet Beauregarde, with Lainey Oswald as her cheerful and vacuous mother.
