Willy Wonka, Oompas Loompas Visit Mendoza Elementary

Golden tickets, Oompa Loompas and lots of chocolate are on display at Mendoza Elementary School as part of Willy Wonka Kids, a play derived from the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

The play has been performed for up to 7,000 students from across the South Bay Union School District since opening March 5, said teacher Kelly McCoy.

Art lovers and the public at large are invited to attend the final performance at Mendoza Elementary School Friday at 6:30 p.m.

$5 for adults, $3 for children under 12. Toddlers and babies who can sit in a parent's lap get in for free.

Friday's show will be the school's sole fundraiser this year and will go to pay for things like art supplies, costumes and future plays, McCoy said.

A silent auction before the play will sell tickets to museums, the San Diego Symphony, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Hornblower cruises around the bay, restaurants and much more.

Candy will also be sold to attendees in the foyer.

Willy Wonka Kids is performed and organized by the South Bay Union School District's Visual and Performing Arts program at Mendoza Elementary School.

More than 90 students ranging from fourh to sixth grades are in the play.

Elaborate props and costumes took about a month to create, McCoy said.