DRAMA CLUB TO BRING ROALD DAHL’S “WILLY WONKA” TO STAGE
The Brush High School Drama Club is gearing up for a performance of the beloved musical, Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka.” Under the guidance of Director Rebecca Costanzo, the cast and crew have been rehearsing since March to bring this tale to life.
The show will run at the Brush High School on April 18, 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, April 20. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $7 for students, veterans and seniors, or $35 for a family pass, and can be purchased in advance at https:// brush.booktix.net.
The crew dove into rehearsals during the first week of March, leaving no time for rest. Taking off spring break, they’ve been in full swing ever since. The production involves 35 students, 23 cast members and 12 dedicated crew members. Each student brings Willy Wonka’s magical world to the stage, from constructing sets to designing costumes and handling props.
“It does have some small changes and modernizations,” said Costanzo. “Mike Teavee has been changed to a kid obsessed with video games and cell phones instead of just television. There are additional songs in the show that are not in the film, but all of the classic movie songs are there. “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” and “Candyman” are still there. It’s a pretty close adaptation to the film.”
For those familiar with the story, Willy Wonka still revolves around the golden tickets hidden in candy bars. The four children — Veruca Salt, Augustus Gloop, Mike Teavee, and Violet Beauregarde — are as delightfully spoiled and rotten as ever. And then there’s pure-hearted Charlie Bucket, whose kindness and golden heart set him apart.
Of course, the show wouldn’t be complete without the Oompa Loompas. The crew also created their own props for the factory scene. The movie features a goose with a golden egg, but the book has squirrels and nuts, and the crew stays true to the book while adding their own creative flair.
The money raised from ticket sales will fund next year’s productions. While royalty fees alone cost the group $2,000 for this musical, they hope the public will support them and their future shows.