students rehearse for fall musical

Story by Keaton Bennett 

As the school year at Clay progresses, more and more exciting things are happening. This year’s school musical production of Willy Wonka Jr., the story of Charlie Bucket, a boy who has a dream of visiting Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, is one of them. Director of Choirs, Mrs. Miranda Susie, will be leading the cast and crew in this world of pure imagination.    

“I thought that it would be fun,"  she said.  “I’ve always wanted to do Willy Wonka.”

The Clay musical has a huge number of relatable characters, great songs and amazing acting by our Clay students. The play will follow the original Willy Wonka movie (from the 70s) very closely, so it will be familiar to audiences that have seen the movie in the past.

In order to be in the show, students had to try out for the musical. According to Susie, around 150.  "Twenty percent of the 300 choir students try out each year," she said. 

With 70 acting roles, many students will get to be in the musical. While it's important for the cast to be on the stage, the musical can’t run smoothly without the crew, who help set up the scenes, manage the lighting and set up props.

“I’m excited to act it out," Maximus Abrams, seventh grade, said. “I like to act out the parts I’m given in a musical. I think everyone should do at least one play because it is a great experience and it is fun!”

The many characters featured in the play are Willy Wonka, Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe and many more! The Oompa Loompas are also exciting characters, as they will appeal to younger audiences with their funny appearance, songs and acting.

Ticket sales start in November and the production will be live on November 15th, 16th and 17th at 7:00 p.m.

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