Arts & Entertainment
PRMS Present Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr.
Pearl River Middle School will present Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, Jr. 7 p.m. on March 31, April 1 & 2. Tickets cost $5. Tickets for the student-only performance March 30th after school cost $2.
Tom Price, director, knew he'd be working with a large cast when he auditioned 120 children and decided against cutting any of them from Pearl River Middle School's production of Willy Wonka, Jr.
Anyone in grades five through seven was given an audition with a song of their choice. The actors were then given a scene to read for different characters.
"I wanted everyone to experience the power of theater, which is so important for their age group," Price explained.
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The children rehearsed every week after school Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. They diligently learned their lines, blocking, and choreography. Each rehearsal was formatted like an acting workshop, teaching the basics of acting as well as things pertaining to the show.
"I like doing the shows. Acting and singing is awesome," said seventh-grader Siobhan Murphy, who will be performing in her second show in Wonka. "I don't know. It's hard to explain how I feel on stage. I want to continue in high school."
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Price worked with the children to help them develop believable characters to bring life to the words in the script. He also emphasized the importance of teamwork, telling the students that every part is equally important and that the show is only whole if everyone works together.
"The children were an absolute pleasure to work with," Price said. "They were always energetic and full of team-spirit, which I know will shine through the night of the show."
The show is full of cute numbers and beautiful scenes. Act II will bring 71 orange-faced, green -wigged Oompa Loompas down the stairs singing the famous tune and sporting Jersey accents. All 120 costumes were hand-sewn by Price, as well as all 71 Oompa Loompa wigs.
"We're so lucky and blessed to have him," said Franklin Avenue's Susan Eefe. "He gets involved in everything. He's a creative genius."
"As an art teacher, I feel that children who particpate in theater and the arts, whether it be backstage or singing upfront, learn so many valuable, lifelong skills," said Price. "It teaches them about themselves, others, and teamwork and helps them become well-rounded individuals through self-expression. It is priceless."
Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr will be performed at 7 p.m. March 3, April 1 and April 2. Tickets are $5 at Pearl River Middle School. There's a student-only performance immediately after school on March 30th for $2.
