The Royal Oak High School Drama Club is putting on "Willy Wonka" this month, Friday and Saturday, November 12 & 13, at 7 PM, and Sunday, November 14, at 2 PM. Willy Wonka features music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley and is based on Dahl's popular children's book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The production of this musical fantasy, known best by the 1971 film made famous by Gene Wilder, is directed by 2016 ROHS graduate and drama club alumni, Matt Harmon.
"What's so beautiful about a show like Willy Wonka is that it covers so much ground," said Harmon. "Its questions and themes melt in your mouth like chocolate, waiting for you to pick out the notes. The students dove right into this process, examining themes of socioeconomic status, parenthood, global capitalism, and more."
Here are some of the students in roles you are sure to recognize:
- Parker Major as Willy Wonka
- Kate Meinecke as Charlie
- Parker Neilsen as Grandpa Joe
- Xander Ballew as Augustus Gloop
- Paige Clark as Veruca Salt
- Haley Berry as Violet Beauregarde
- Luke Houston as Mike Teavee
Harmon said that the Royal Oak Drama Club program emphasizes that every aspect of the performance is run by students and that many students also design parts of the show. "We have award-winning professional coaches and talented parent volunteers helping the students through rehearsals", he explained. "But this Drama Club prides itself on turning the live performances over to student leadership." Click here for the full company list.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. You can reserve your spot now by using this link to purchase tickets: http://www.rodrama.com/tickets.html. Tickets will also be available at the door. Willy Wonka is presented in one act with no intermission by special arrangement with MTI International.