Whether performing on the stage or helping with props, sets or sound and lights, everyone played an important part in bringing Willy Wonka Jr. to life.

The lights came on, the curtain opened, and the music began. In the fall, the middle school drama club performed Road Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr. Brilliantly colorful costumes filled the stage as the performers began their song and dance. With every line the audience laughed or gasped. Each student displayed a new side of themselves as they let their inner performer shine. 

“Theater is a confidence builder,” Mrs. Deanna Markos, the director, expressed. “You learn to be able to stand up in front of people, and kids learn to present themselves in a confident way.”

This confidence grows over time, because it takes weeks of rehearsals to get ready for the show. Each student comes from a different background in theater. Some are new to performing, while others already have years of experience in the spotlight. 

“Every kid has their interests and skills and they deserve the opportunity to try everything,” Mrs. Markos explained. “We’ve worked really well with all the activities kids are trying, including sports and other music, so that they can try new things like theater.” 

Over 75 5th-8th grade students were involved with the production of Willy Wonka Jr. Whether performing on the stage or helping with props, sets or sound and lights, everyone played an important part in bringing this lively show to life. “Being part of theater is another way to experience being part of a team,” said Mrs. Katie Crichton, the musical’s co-director. 

As the characters flooded the stage and sang in harmony, their scrumdiddlyumptious music filled the auditorium.

Being part of theater is another way to experience a team.

Throughout the show, you could see the characters’ archetypal personalities as they toured the factory and learned from — or reaped the consequences of — their mistakes. Mrs. Crichton observed the analogy this can serve in our walk as Christians. 

“We try to connect the shows to our theme of the year of being unfinished,” Mrs. Crichton said. “We all have character flaws and we have to learn the Christian theme of being unfinished and know that we are still learning. This is a valuable lesson because our stories are not finished and we have the opportunity to grow in Christ everyday.”