“Willy Wonka,” directed by Matt Warren is set for March 22-24
From the Wellsville Secondary School, pictured is Willy “Maddie” Muurisepp
Come with me and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination. For many, these words evoke images of oompa-loompas and chocolate bars and a curious guy in a top hat. Now it can spark images of theatre at Wellsville, too!
This month, Wellsville Secondary School is proud to be presenting the musical version of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka! Our cast is diligently rehearsing to bring the show to our community on March 22nd, 23rd and 24th. This show is sure to please anyone who loves the classic tale of the chocolate factory—or who just likes rags to riches stories with magical endings.
Director Matt Warren is excited to bring this show to Wellsville. “Our students and staff are working hard to craft this charming story for our community. We have 26 students in grades 8 to 12—many veterans and some new to our stage—making up the cast of our production.” Junior Maddie Muurisepp does an enchanting job as Willy Wonka, the curious owner of the chocolate factory. When Wonka holds a contest by hiding golden tickets in candy bars, five children win a tour of his factory and a lifetime supply of chocolate. Four of the children—Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teavee —have interesting quirks that are used to teach audiences life lessons throughout the show. The fifth winner, Charlie Bucket—played for us by senior Aniela Acampora—is a shy, charming child who comes from a poor family. Mayhem ensues when the factory tour begins and we meet the fascinating Oompa-Loompas who work there and see the incredible workings of Wonka’s candy empire.
Anyone who loves the 1971 Gene Wilder film will be delighted by this musical. And all others will be entranced by the tale of lovable Charlie Bucket and his visit to Wonka’s chocolate factory. Our performances will take place in the Wellsville Secondary School Auditorium on Friday, March 22nd, and Saturday, March 23rd at 7:30pm, as well as on Sunday, March 24th at 2:00pm. Tickets will be available at the door or can be purchased in advance at Brand Name Appliance on Main Street in Wellsville or at the Wellsville Secondary School Main Office. General admission is $10.00 and student and senior citizen tickets are $5.00. Anyone who would like to become a patron of the production should contact producer Diane Willard at dwillard@wlsv.org for more information.
Mark your calendar and make plans to see our production. Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is a scrumdidilyumptious show sure to delight your musical sweet tooth.
