The Show Must Go On! Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

We all won the golden ticket with the 4th and 5th graders performance of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" this year! Our students put on a fabulous show despite numerous set backs, and it was an especially celebratory event after two years without any live stage performances. Our students, performing arts departments, and MTS families have been so resilient, dedicated, and supportive throughout the experience. The December shows were pushed to January to ensure a safe environment for our audience. While we still had limited seating, our 4th and 5th grade families were able to see their students perform live on the stage and the rest of our community will have the opportunity to watch the performance in a professionally edited video version. A huge to shout out to performing arts director Trevor Marcom who stepped in the first night to perform as Willy Wonka until our 5th grade star could return and steal the show, and a huge shout out director Lindsay Bercovitch for keeping it all together throughout every curve ball the variants sent our way. 

The 5th graders put on a delightful display of animated performances. Charlie Bucket (Gabriella) was a real star who sang and danced throughout multiple numbers. The Bucket family that never leaves their bed except Grandpa Joe (Parker) had the audience cracking up. Augustus Gloop and Mrs. Gloop (Oliver and Zara) really hammed up their characters with accents and playfulness. Violet Beauregarde (Sloan) was a sparky, gum snapping joy to watch with her dramatic antics, along with Mr. Salt (Chase). Mike Teavee (Austin) was a perfectly snarky teenager, and Veruca Salt (Annie) had a ball playing the rich, spoiled girl. The Candyman (Yeumi), News Anchorman (J.R.), and Reporter (Aisling) kept the story moving along and, of course, we all loved the 4th grade Oompa Loompas! 

Every year our 5th graders star in a musical performance in December, along with a 4th grade supporting chorus. Our performing arts department leads our students through successful performances every year through hard work, hours of rehearsals, and expert guidance, and the students experience a transformative journey both individually and as a class. 

Story Synopsis: 

In the world of Willy Wonka we find ourselves longing for the magic and mystery of the unknown and the playful whimsy of childhood imagination. But arguably the most important lesson in this wonderful story lies within Charlie's song "Think Positive." Charlie takes on the weight of an adult sized problem when his father asks him what will become of the Bucket family after he loses his job. Charlie's response is remarkably refreshing as he sings "whenever I'm feeling down and out and don't know what to do, I never give way to fear and doubt, 'cause thinking positive sees me through!" 

"The tone of this beautifully simple lyric is one that seems to have resonated deeply within our MTS community and the cast of Willy Wonka as time and time again we have ben faced with challenges and obstacles in getting back in the classroom, the sports field, and up and onto the stage. Our ability to not "give way to fear and doubt" and carry on the proud tradition of the 5th grade play here at MTS with a smile and a song is EXACTLY what Charlie would want us to do. Art is important. And it is hard work. It is not convenient. Live theater is a way in which we can share with others the sense of what it is to be human. And this year our wonderful cast, volunteers, and administrators, musicians, directors, and parents have shown incredible moxie in our ability to understand why this matters and put in the hard work necessary to make it happen. The show must go on! Thank you, Charlie." – Trevor Marcom, Director