Treat yourself to ‘Willy Wonka’ with A Special Place

Enjoy a sweet experience when A Special Place brings Willy Wonka to the Naperville stage!

Featuring singing, dancing and an array of desserts to indulge the audience, the show is set for Friday, March 1, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 2, at 10 a.m. at Alleluia Lutheran Church, 4055 Book Road. Tickets to the Friday night show are sold out, but tickets to the Saturday morning show are still available for $30 each.

Created in 2012, A Special Place helps adults and children with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities have fun while showcasing their talents and socializing with friends. Ticket purchases benefit the theater program, activities throughout the year and a program to fund housing for participants.

With professional direction, elaborate costumes and a cast of 40 actors, the show delivers outstanding performances, said Cheryl Butler, founder and executive director of A Special Place.

“Willy Wonka has a ton of characters, giving everyone the feeling like they’re a vital part of the show — that’s our goal,” Butler said. “The kids are so proud of everything they do. It’s an amazing cast. This show celebrates candy, and we’re doing a whole dessert motif.”

Butler said dozens of parent volunteers and community support help make the annual musical and other programs possible. The housing program is particularly important, Butler said, because it will help young adults with disabilities live independently, while remaining near their families in Naperville.

“It’s more than theater, it’s about giving this population their own place in Naperville to live where they grew up,” Butler said.

Community support includes the Gerald Auto Group, one of the primary sponsors of A Special Place. After renting theater equipment for past shows, this year the organization was able purchase its own, with help from Gerald, Butler said.

“When you have businesses like Gerald step up and show their support and show their appreciation for these kids, it makes a difference,” Butler said. “With the help of Gerald, these kids are lifted up and celebrated for their skills and talents, which makes their lives better.”

The Gerald Auto Group is honored to be a continued sponsor of A Special Place.

“A Special Place does incredible work with young adults in the community and makes a positive impact in their lives,” said Donna Lawler of the Gerald Auto Group. “We look forward to helping support the show each year and are excited to see the cast perform!”

For more information on A Special Place and to purchase tickets, visit https://asp4us.org/. For more information on the Gerald Auto Group, visit www.geraldcars.com.