In just a few days, members of the Lowell High School senior class will take to the stage for their final production, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. If their previous performances are any indication, this will be a show not to be missed.
“This senior class has been solid all four years,” says director Amanita Fahrni. “They have raised the bar.”
In recent years, they have performed in The Wizard of Oz, Matilda, and Beauty & the Beast. All were shows that earned rave reviews, but Charlie and the Chocolate Factory might top them all.
“It could be the best one we’ve done,” says senior Max Wasilew who stars as Willy Wonka.
Community members who want to see the show shouldn’t wait to buy tickets. Seats for opening night and the Sunday performance are already close to sold out. To see all dates and ticket availability, check out the ticketing website.
Talented Senior Class Shines in Performance
Fahrni had the opportunity to see a touring production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory a few years ago and knew immediately that she’d like to put it on as a high school show one day. This year ended up being the perfect opportunity.
“It was perfect for the group of kids I knew would be auditioning,” Fahrni says. “We have many, many talented students (and) I wanted to have a spotlight for all of them.”
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory includes a large cast, with many characters having their own songs and moments to shine.
“It was a good pick,” says senior Ben Vonderheide, who plays the reporter Jerry.
There are 34 cast members and 38 crew members, of which 19 are seniors. Helping them are 14 adults which include a mix of old faces – such as choreographer Anna Mainero and Jules Crawford, director of the Lowell Performing Arts Center – and new additions, including Sarah Ellis who is helping with sets. Several LHS alums have also returned to lend a hand. These include assistant choreographer Kennedi Weed, Amber Colt on the sound board, and Hayden Gough who has worked with cast members on their character development.
“As a high school, we have so many kids with so much talent,” Max says. “It doesn’t look like a high school show.”
“Not to pat ourselves on the back, but holy cow,” Ben continues. “I think we have a lot of depth. People compare us to Civic Theater.”
While many seniors are taking center stage with this production, it is a group effort from students of all grades.
“It’s been such a great experience, and this is such a magical show,” says Madilyn Dexter, a junior who an assistant stage manager. She is helping to lead the backstage crew to make sure everything gets done behind the scenes.
Madilyn has appeared on stage during the fall plays Trap and Game of Tiaras and says that while she enjoyed performing, she also likes her current role. “Being on crew – it’s like building up the bones of the show,” she says.
Familiar Story with Some Updates
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will feel familiar to fans of the 1971 movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. An all-ages production, the newer musical does make some updates though. For instance, Mike Teavee is more into his tablet than television, and Violet Beauregarde is a pop star.
“I love the colors. I love the sets. I love the characters,” Fahrni says. She notes the production touches on a range of emotions. “It’s got some funny, funny parts and some parts that will tear your heart out.”
Both the music and on-stage atmosphere get nods from students as their favorite parts of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
“I just love the music a lot, and I like the comedy aspect,” Max says. “It’s very upbeat.”
“There is so much magic, and the music is absolutely beautiful,” according to Madilyn. “It’s really like you’re entering a whole new world.”
Where to Get Tickets for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
If you want to enter that whole new world, you’ll need to buy your tickets for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory online. The Lowell Performing Arts Center is working with Cur8 to offer online tickets with orders delivered to patrons via email and text.
Showtimes for the Lowell High School musical are:
- Friday, March 7, at 7pm
- Saturday, March 8, at 7pm
- Sunday, March 9, at 2pm
- Friday, March 14, at 7pm
- Saturday, March 15, at 7pm
Seats are going fast so buy your tickets today.
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