Dulles students auditioned for one of 20 speaking roles in “Wonka,” but all students who desired to be in the play were cast in one of the musical’s ensemble groups, as a Candy Kid, one of Charlie’s school chums, or as a mysterious Oompa-Loompa.
The direction of the play was overseen by artistic director of the Center Stage Theater, Harrison Zierer, who spent every Thursday afternoon for six weeks teaching and directing the cast and handled all technical duties of the production, cueing up the house lights and pre-recorded music.
But once on stage, it was all up to the Dulles students to tell the story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir.
“This is a good learning experience for the students,” Zierer said. “They are not only learning the basics of stage production and how to project to a live audience, but also thinking independently while working together in groups. If someone forgets their line, the others are prepared to help them out. It is a joy to watch.”
The Dulles Elementary PTA provided support for the musical, designing the programs and golden admission tickets, supervising the students during rehearsals, operating the concession stand and assisting costume changes during the performances. Eager to pitch in, Dulles staff brought their own family members on show night to work as ushers.
“We have a very supportive community at Dulles. Our parents will do anything to help their children and the school,” Dulles PTA President Jodi Carter said. “There has been an overwhelmingly positive response to staging musical performances here, with so many students wanting to get involved. They are so adorable. We can’t wait for the next show.”
In February, Dulles students will team with the Los Angeles Opera for a performance of “The Legend of Cannery Row” as part of a five-week performance residency that will bring professional artists to the school for weekly workshops, as they work toward staging an opera based on Puccini’s “Turandot.”
Those in attendance at the performances included a representative from State Senator Tony Mendoza’s office and members of the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified Board of Education.
PHOTOS: Dulles Elementary students held two performances of the musical “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, Jr.” at Benton Middle School on Jan. 27 and 28.
BELOW: The two-act musical highlighted the talents of 60 Dulles Elementary K-5 students and incorporated musical numbers, choreography, elaborate set changes and star turns for its featured players.
