This weekend, the Performing Arts Center at Tipton Rosemark Academy will be transformed into a wondrous chocolate factory as the Middle School Theatre Department performs “Willy Wonka Jr.”
Based on the story by Roald Dahl, “Willy Wonka Jr.” follows the eccentric candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. The five lucky children who find these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy.
The cast was announced in October and this talented group of middle school students has spent many hours rehearsing, leading up to this week’s opening.
As an exciting preview to the show, the Fine Arts department has been selling Wonka Bars. Hidden inside five of these chocolate bars are Golden Tickets that can be redeemed for a free ticket to a performance of the show, as well as a sweet prize package filled with donations from supportive businesses in Tipton and Shelby County.
The show opens Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. and will be performed at the same time on Friday and Saturday nights. The show will also take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Tickets are available in advance by visiting the links on both the Tipton Rosemark Academy website and the Tipton Rosemark Fine Arts Facebook page. Tickets can also be purchased at the door; the cost is $10 for adults and $8 for students.
This performance is under the direction of Logan Vaughn, a 2011 graduate of Tipton Rosemark Academy, who studied musical theatre at the University of Mobile before returning home to Rosemark where she now resides. Logan is the daughter of Tipton Rosemark Academy’s Fine Arts and Choral Director LaLania Vaughn. This will be their tenth production to co-direct.
This performance would not be possible without the hard work of a production team comprised of upper school students, as well as alumni, who pour into all aspects of the school’s Fine Arts program.
Many of these students will be starring in TRA’s Spring production of SpongeBob the Musical, which will run March 21-26 and will serve as their competition show this year for consideration at the High School Musical Theatre Awards at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis.
Wonka cast and crew
Willy Wonka/Candy Man – Ty Tyler
Charlie – Adam Walker
Grandpa Joe – Zachary Crane
Mr. Bucket – Jackson Biggs
Mrs. Bucket – Emme Williamson
Matilda – Georgianne Phelps
James – Logan West
Phinney Trout – Ryleigh Kate Hampton
Augustus Gloop – Vander Burchett
Mrs. Gloop – Emme Williamson
Veruca Salt – Ellie Kate Stewart
Mr. Salt – Angelo Khattar
Violet Beauregarde – Lizzie Tyler
Mrs. Beauregarde – Emilie Franks
Mike Teavee – Walker Moody
Mrs. Teavee – Grace Vego
Grandma Georgina – Delia Sigler
Grandma Josephina – Naomi Blair
Grandpa George – Weston Smith
Oompa Loompas – Kaylee Bauer, Naomi Blair, Kamryn Dacus, Zoe Meredith, Synclaire Nichols, Malak Prince, Allie Scott, Delia Sigler, James Smith, Weston Smith, Emma Lacey Stafford
Student Assistant Director – Cade Harkness
Student Assistant Director – .Cameron Long
Designer of Promotional Materials – Madison Clement
Tech Director – Thomas Nichols
Student Choreographer – Rylee Ford
Student Choreographer – Nathan West
Student Asst, Choreographer – Trace Scott
Student Music Assistant – Ella Williamson
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
