It's a whole new Wonka world

Johnny Depp does not star in this particular production, but one could make the argument that the kids and minds behind the scenes of Ahwatukee Children's Theatre are just as creative.

Beginning on Friday, Oct. 17, Willy Wonka Junior will show six different days, ending on Sunday, Oct. 24, and will feature local actors as well as original sets and props.

The creative mind building and designing for Willy Wonka is artist director Mary Heinkel, who started with ACT eight years ago as a volunteer and became a full-time employee three years ago.

Heinkel said that Wonka is the most creative production to date in terms of props, costumes and set designs.

"It's totally imaginative and there really are no limits creatively," she said.

Heinkel started her work on Wonka more than six months ago. She said she got her inspiration from both the Gene Wilder and Depp movies.

"We're melding the old with the new a little bit," Heinkel said. "What I am doing is based on the script and what the author had in mind, but I am also implementing our own creative need with the resources we have available."

Shows are Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit ACT, 5051 E. Elliot Road, or call (480) 705-9319. Tickets are $15.