Willy Wonka Jr. – A world of imagination
Charlie, played by Jake Mullins, and Grandpa Joe, played by Ian Nouss, being airlifted from fizzy drinks.
Article by Kathy Dunker with photos by Desi Lederman
The American Academy (AA) gymnasium was transformed last month into a spectacular setting, a chocolate factory! The Willy Wonka Jr. play, directed by AA’s music teacher Mark Middlebrooks, was an impressive production to say the least. In fact, it was something you might expect from a college group rather than an elementary and middle school ensemble.
More than 100 members of the AA student body from all grades were among the cast and crew which included a group of kindergarten and first grade squirrels, first through third grade Oompa Loompas, and even a Wonka choir. All cast members were selected through the audition process. AA student, Meredith Ham, did such an exceptional audition that Middlebrooks decided to cast a female Willy Wonka. Ham certainly stepped up to the task! AA students also partook in the technical aspects of lighting and sound jobs, which they applied for.
The performance was not only entertaining but also extravagant. Charlie and Grandpa Joe were suspended above the stage by cables after drinking the fizzy lifting drink and two upper level balconies were created for the Wonka choir.
Fund raising leading up to the play was also quite creative. Candy bars were sold for $5 and were wrapped up like Wonka bars. Several of those candy bars contained a “golden ticket” which laid claim to a prize. The donated prizes included such sought after items as an American Girl doll and an iPod.
Middlebrooks, a very dedicated teacher, certainly went above and beyond with this production. Dedicated parent volunteers and the commited cast and crew were required to attend many late evening and Saturday rehearsals. As Middlebrooks stated in the program, “I owe such a debt of gratitude to so many people for making… this production a reality, that thank you is most certainly wholly insufficient.”
Student crew members help keep the show running smoothly.
