The Wooster High School Drama Club is busily preparing for its fall musical production, Willy Wonka. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 15, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. at the WHS Performing Arts Center.
Roald Dahls tale follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding five golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whoever finds these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of chocolate. The production features the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder and new songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. This family-friendly production is intended for all ages.
Playing Wonka will be Matt Friedhoff, joined by Holden Jackson (Charlie), Aaron Cochran (Mr. Bucket), Beth Clayton (Mrs. Bucket), Storm Nicholson (Grandpa Joe), Jaryn Lindenmuth (Grandma Josephina), Adam Kirk (Grandpa George), Aiche NDiaye (Grandma Georgina), Sutter Niblick (Augustus), Hannah Otto (Mrs. Gloop), Hope Kennedy (Violet), Helena Gastier (Mrs. Beauregarde), Taylor Mills (Veruca), Scott Nicholson (Mr. Salt), Tom Myers (Mike), Mallory Wald (Mrs. Teavee), Nick Williams (Phineas), Cody Smith (The Candy Man), Grady Suggs (James) and Callie Caltrider (Matilda).
The Oompa Loompas will be played by Pierre Paul, Reece Frye, Lauren Nielson, Hannah Reikowsky, Jaelin Williams, Emma Lenart, Emily Norris, Aleesha Vaughn, Lexi Snoddy, Taylor Williams, Hanna McClure, Autumn Pritchard, Haily Tennant, Dasie Nordick and Tashi Burton. Rounding out the cast will be Emily Cavin, Grace Cheng, Elisabeth Kille, Simeon Witten, Rhiannon Dawson, McCayla Connors, Abby Reed, Sydney Sleek, Jordan Smith, Christina Spedden, Molli Stokes, Katie Ward, Tori Woodruff, Melody Ashworth, Wil Gastier, Sarah Hartshorn, Onika Hayes, Delanie Hranko, Sarah McConeghy, Rikki Morris, Lexi Nolletti, Chelsea Patterson, Olivia Sleek and Emma Yost.
Willy Wonka is being co-directed by Emily Patterson and Todd Patterson, who will be joined by the talents of pit orchestra conductor Dan Adams, choreographer Stephanie Musselman, technical director Mark Lehman, student director Adam Kirk and stage manager Alex Hasapis. Willy Wonka is presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International.
Tickets for Willy Wonka will be on sale at the WHS Athletic Office beginning Monday, Nov. 10. Adult tickets are $10 and students and seniors are $7 each. Patrons of the WHS Drama Club are entitled to reserve their tickets before the general public. If you are interested in becoming a patron, or have any questions, please contact the Drama Club directors at woohsdramaclub@gmail.com or phone 330-345-4000, ext. 7101.
