The Londonderry Middle School Drama Club will present the musical Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Jr. starting Friday, March 23 at the school’s cafeteria.
This magical adventure follows young man Charlie Bucket, played by Colby Lynch, as he wins a trip into the captivating world of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory along with his loveable grandfather, Grandpa Joe, played by Frank Thomas.
The role of the Candy Man, Willy Wonka, is played by Paige Boyon who’s exceptional singing voice is made for the stage.
The Middle School students have been working hard on this production since the beginning of November when auditions started.
The play’s Director is seventh grade teacher Jennifer Maurice with Musical Direction by Matt Szopa.
The Assistant Director is Toby Paul with Choreographers Jennifer Maurice and Nikki Murray
Helping out from the high school are assistants to directors Chris Maio and David Jarvis. Sound is is being provided by Ryan Barett.
The songs have been adapted from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder. The story plays true to the original where Willy Wonka holds a contest for five lucky winners to come visit his chocolate factory, but only if they find the mysterious golden ticket hidden in one of his chocolate bars. The children who have won the contest must be mindful that there are rules in the chocolate that are expected to be followed. If they choose not to listen-they will be punished….
There are three show dates for the production beginning on Friday, March 23 at 7 p.m. The other two showings will be the following day on Saturday, March 24 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. respectively. Tickets for adults will be $8.00, students and seniors will be $5.00, and children under three receive free admission.
The production will take place in the LMS cafeteria and the show will last approximately an hour and a half. The “junior” version of this play was made specifically for students and younger children in mind. This is due to the length of the original show and to scale down the needs for a school production.
All are welcome to the LMS Drama club’s production of Willy Wonka Junior. So, grab your golden ticket and come out to support the LMS Drama Club and re-live this incredible tale through the eyes of students with a love for the theater.
The cast features:
Paige Boyon plays the lead role of Willy Wonka, the Candy Man, Colby Lynch as Charlie Bucket, Aiden Keenan as James, Rachel Hutchinson plays Matilda, Alea Millis as Mrs. Bucket, Jonathan Page plays Mr. Bucket, Phoebe Bartlett, Grandma Josephine, Callie Nease is Grandma Georgina, Frank Thomas is Grandpa Joe, Josh Truesdale plays Grandpa George, Tess Brown is Phineous Trout, Ryan Kraics plays Augustus Gloop, Bell Crane is Mrs. Gloop, Danni Cournoyer as Veruca Salt, John Baumann is Mr. Salt, Abbie Whitley plays Violet Beauregarde, Rebecca Quimpo is Mrs. Beauregarde, Kyle Burnell plays Mike Teavee and Jillian Jonesplays Mrs. Teavee.
The Ensemble features:
Abbie Dorr, Brooke Bernasconi, Deanna Dejesus, Ellie Holcombe, Jason Cain, Joey Cain, Kelly Egan, Lindsay Greco, Mary McCarthy, Shalee Amber, Teresa Bompastore, Ahna Gainey, Emily Overhulser, Gianna DeMeo, Lindsay Smith, Massimo Sessa, Shayana El Ghacal, Cassidy Methot, Ellie Cook, Gianna Fowler, Katia Chrylrnski, Lauren Mok, Michaela Horan, Simone Pohl, Elizabeth Hurley and Killian Daron.