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Boardman Center presents world of Willy Wonka
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In cast photo, the various characters and personalities of the Willy Wonka world celebrated the star of the show, Zach Fryda (center) as the namesake character.
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Willy Wonka, or Zach Fryda (center) in a March 21 performance, welcomed the audience into his world of pure imagination.
By SARAH FOOR
The famous candy maker Willy Wonka and his chocolate factory came to life on the stage at Boardman Center Middle School, in the production of “Willy Wonka, Jr,” March 22-24.
Drama director Pam Grabman, in her 12th production with the drama club, said the play presented some challenges, but her cast and crew handled them with ease.
“There are occurrences in the movie and the original Roald Dahl book that were challenging to stage, but everyone has given 110 percent and the club has been completely up to the task,” Grabman said of her students.
“For example, we’ve found creative ways to turn Violet Beauregarde into a giant blueberry, and for Grandpa Joe and Charlie to explore the Bubble Room. To create the look of Willy’s magical factory, my husband and many of the drama students helped to build and decorate the set pieces. The creativity here shows, and it’s been a lot of fun,” Grabman shared.
The cast of the show included a lot of new faces, including seventh-grader Nekatarios Kasamias, who nabbed the role of Charlie Bucket.
“Being a big part of the show and singing a lot, I am feeling a little nervous,” Kasamias admitted during a March 21 dress rehearsal. “I’ve made a lot of friends though, and I think the pressure is only pushing me to do a really great job.”
Although the cast consisted mostly of new seventh-graders, drama vet and eighth-grader Zach Fryda settled comfortably into the role of the eccentric millionaire, Willy Wonka.
“I worked really hard to set a positive example for the cast — having my character’s name on the front of the program does make me want to be a good leader,” Fryda admitted. “I’m not too nervous for the performances, I’m more excited than anything else. I think being part of this process has definitely boosted my self-confidence.”
Although the story of Willy Wonka is known to be a bit dark, director Grabman still felt the play had important lessons to share.
“I’ve always appreciated Charlie’s never-give-up attitude and unflagging positivity. Anybody can learn a few things from Charlie,” Grabman said.