The golden ticket
The talented American Academy-Castle Pines cast members of Willy Wonka Jr.
The Performing Arts program from all three American Academy campuses (AAPA) put on a show-stopping performance of Willy Wonka Jr. last month at the Parker Arts, Culture & Events Center. The students performed Roald Dahl’s familiar story of the quirky candy tycoon and his quest to find an heir.
Cast members ages ranged from kindergarten through eighth grade. There were first-time actors, as well as those with 20+ shows worth of experience. AAPA includes theater, choir, band and dance.
Seventh-grader and Sapphire Pointe resident Zatanna Wilcox played Willy Wonka. Charlie Bucket was performed by sixth-grader Laura Bueno. Of course, many dressed up as the orange-skinned, green-haired Oompa Loompas.
“AAPA is a cornerstone of student life, not just an extracurricular,” said AA-Castle Pines cast director Olivia Andrunik. “It’s a rigorous, high-level program that challenges students to grow as performers and collaborators.” She added that many of the alumni continue to act in high school and college productions.
AAPA will finish its 2024-2025 season with June performances of Moana Jr. and July performances of Beetlejuice Jr., both at the Schoolhouse at Mainstreet in Parker.
For more information, visit aak8.org.
Willy Wonka was played by seventh grader Zatanna Wilcox (left) and Charlie Bucket was performed by sixth grader Laura Bueno (right).
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Jason Wilcox
