Hoboken Public Schools Presents ‘Willy Wonka’ The Musical — May 18-20

Posted on May 16, 2018 in Raves

Hoboken Public Schools award-winning theater department will present a “world of pure imagination” with Willy Wonka: The Musical from May 18-20.

The fun and imaginative show by Roald Dahl, features music from the 1971 film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” and includes Hoboken public school students of all ages.

From kindergarten to high school, 120 local pupils attending Brandt, Calabro, Connors, Wallace, Hoboken Middle School and Hoboken High School participating in the 2018 District Musical.

Culminating months of hard work students have had a hand in the entire production of the show – from set design and construction to music performances and production of the Playbill.

Hoboken Schools Theater Director, Ms. Danielle Miller says the musical has been a great opportunity for students to get outside of their comfort zones and come together as a community.

“Willy Wonka is a fun colorful story – teaching children morals and the value of kindness,” says Ms. Miller.

“Children taking part have not only learned singing, dancing and acting, but they also learn valuable life skills – including goal setting, responsibility and teamwork.”

Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir is a golden ticket to adventure. The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory will light up the Hoboken High School’s auditorium in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale.

“It’s really wonderful to see students of all age ranges to take part in the show. For example, Hannah Mack and David Rivera, seniors at Hoboken High School are playing Mr. and Mrs. Bucket – while Ethan Ortiz from Calabro Elementary is starring as Charlie Bucket on stage in his first-ever production.”

“Hannah and David are not only parenting Charlie Bucket on stage, but have welcomed Ethan to the theater family – mentoring on stage and guiding him along the way. It’s very special to see and adds to the magic.”

Students starring on stage in other roles include:

· Willy Wonka: Danny Safanova

· Candy Man: Anthony Sessa

· Candy Man Trio: Naomi Cooke, Mable Blischke-Villavicencio and Shai Warshawsky

· Phineous Trout: Miguel Cabelin

· Cameraman for Phineous Trout: K’wan Meggett

· Grandma Josephine: Michaela Pacheco-Berger

· Grandma Georgina: Demeara Davenport

· Grandpa George: Jackson Kim

· Grandpa Joe: Anthony Sparacino

· Augustus Gloop: Lucas Daly

· Mrs. Gloop: Sofia Melfi

· Veruca Salt: Kendall McDonough

· Mr. Salt: Brandon Lyons

· Mike Teavee: Jason Dale

· Ms. Teavee: Sanjna Samrai

· Violet Beauregarde: Kiera Modder

· Mrs. Beauregarde: .Judith Erdaide

The Willy Wonka Musical Production is Directed by Ms. Danielle Miller with Music Direction by Ms. Kristen Hoyt and Choreography by Britteny Schruefer. This is the 14^th musical Ms. Miller has directed at Hoboken High School.

“The annual districtwide play has become one of our most cherished community events and continues to grow throughout the years,” said Ms. Miller.

“It really warms my heart. We not only have students from every school taking part – but we also have those who have graduated returning to the district to help make the production a huge success.”

Former Hoboken High School students, Gina Rotondi, Aishah Tapia, Angel Molina, and Isiah Watson are assisting on the production around their college schedules.

“It has been a wonderful experience to see the personal growth of each student in this production. They are a huge reason why our Theatre Program is such a success,” concluded Ms. Miller.

More than 2,000 tickets are on sale to shows on Friday, May 18 at 7:00pm Saturday, May 19 at 2:00pm and Sunday, May 20 at 2:00pm. General admission tickets are $10 and students/seniors are $5.

Purchase tickets at: https://hhsnj.booktix.com/dept/Theatre

Tags: Theater