How to go
What: THS presents "Willy Wonka"
When: 7 p.m. March 17-19; and 2 p.m. March 19
Where: Talawanda High School, 101 W. Chestnut St.
Cost: $8 at the door, or $6 from any cast or crew member
OXFORD — Like the title candy maker, Talawanda High School students have a few surprises up their sleeves with their production of the musical “Willy Wonka” — though they probably don’t include turning the audience into giant blueberries.
The high schoolers are running and designing their last musical of the school year, “Willy Wonka,” which hits the stage March 17-19.
Teacher Ryan Steffen is directing the show, which is a favorite of many of the students.
“The musical is based off the 1971 version (of the Wonka movie) not the 2005 remake,” said student Nora McVey, stage manager.
Students have been rehearsing since late January, McVey said. They’ve tried to keep the classic story fresh on stage, promising a performance the audience will truly enjoy, McVey said.
“The musical was completely designed by the students attending Talawanda High School,” Steffen said. “I tried to teach them to do it instead of doing it for them. Sometimes it was difficult to watch students have to change an idea, but I allowed them to make their own mistakes and learn.”
It wasn’t easy auditioning for the cast, said senior Tommy Richardson, who plans to pursue a career in acting after graduation at New York University.
“Each student had to perform a song a cappella 16-32 bars,” Richardson said, noting students also had to perform a monologue.
Junior Chris Curme, playing Willy Wonka in the musical, devotes an additional hour outside the three hours of the daily scheduled rehearsals.
Junior Raven Thomas, who is playing Veruca Salt in the musical, is no stranger to the stage.
She has had numerous roles the past few years and looks forward to a career in musical theater after graduation.
“I am really excited about performing in a show close to home,” Thomas said. “Most of my performances are in Cincinnati.”
“Willy Wonka” is at 7 p.m. March 17-19. There also is a performance at 2 p.m. March 19.
The show takes place at the Talawanda High School auditeria.
Tickets are $8 at The Miami Saving Bank on McGuffey Avenue, Juniper Clothing Store and Fiesta Charra on High Street, and at the door; or for $6 from any cast or crew member.
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