Aubrey students bring 'Wonka' to life

By Basil Gist

Staff Writer

       The world’s most famous chocolatier and his wacky factory are coming to Aubrey ISD with the theater’s rendition of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka.”

       Director Emily Rome has joined forces with the middle school to bring a massive cast together for the show in an attempt with middle school theater teacher Emily Gibson to introduce kids to full scale productions earlier.

       “We thought to start them earlier, so every other year we’ll do a high school middle school combo which gives the middle schoolers an opportunity,” Rome said.  “It gives them and us an advantage to put on better shows in the future.”

       Wonka, with its candy kids, Oompa Loompas and energetic characters gives performers an opportunity to stretch.

       “It’s very fun, whimsical, and there are a lot of very dynamic characters even in the supporting cast,” Musical Director Brittany Wood said. “A lot of their songs are very bombastic and really complement their characters.”

       Though the majority of the younger cast members are relegated to those supporting roles, a few, like Gianna Kane, playing Violet Beauregarde, are getting an early opportunity to join the ensemble proper.

       “It means a lot because my brother and I both love theater,” Kane said. “He’s more the actor and I’m more backstage, but when I heard I got the role, I was so excited because I do a lot, like a lot. But theater is one of my favorites, and I hope I can continue.”

       Putting younger actors in pivotal roles extends beyond the ensemble in Wonka, however, as the show’s titular lead, the cooky confectionary, is portrayed by junior Hailey Warren.

       “She completely deserves it,” Rome said. “She works her butt off. I started watching her more in class with other students in her leadership roles. She leads warmups, and I don’t know if she was shyer in her first years, but she’s found her footing and has just exploded this year. She’s also our lead in the one-act play coming up, and it’s completely deserved.”

       Warren spoke about the opportunity.

       “I’ve always admired Willy Wonka because he has an extremely big dream,” Warren said. “In the original, he has a lot of care and loves giving to people, loves his chocolate and making it for everyone to bring them joy.”

       She additionally gave her take on some of the enigmatic industrialist’s more questionable and child endangering actions throughout the story.

       “The way he lets them make mistakes is all part of his test,” Warren said. “His responsibility was to warn them. It’s like a museum. You can’t touch it, but if you do and it breaks, that’s your fault. It’s just unfortunate that they don’t seem to see it until after.”

       A freshman, Kaiden Hill, also has the distinct opportunity to lead the show from behind the curtain as stage manager.

       “I didn’t plan on taking theater more than a year,” Hill said. “Then I went to the first rehearsal and fell in love with it. I was having a good time with school, but compared to school, this was just so much fun. It’s a good community. The kids here are so nice, so pleasant, and it enriches the experience.”

       Rome said Hill is an example of what theater teachers hope to see from kids taking their classes and getting an introduction to the fine arts.

       “They just got their schedules for next year and are starting to sign up for classes, and he’s like, ‘I have to change my whole schedule because I’ve got to do theater now,’” Rome said. “He’s got the bug for sure.”

       The show itself, Rome explained, hopes to fly close to the 1971 film.

       I think that’s the version that opened the doors to “Willy Wonka” in the first place, but we have a “Wizard of Oz” effect,” Rome said. “All of Act 1 is simple. It’s very minimal. Then Act 2 has more props, a lot more color and brings that magic to his factory.”

       She alluded to bubble guns in the bubble room and chocolate Scentsy’s throughout the auditorium.

       “It’s just those little things to bring the audience in and make them feel a part of our world,” Rome said.

       She further explained that as the program grows, she hopes to see more and more of the community beyond the actors’ parents come enjoy the shows the theater program puts together.

       “You do not get that experience until you go,” Rome said.  “I have friends that will never get onstage or work backstage but love the experience. They love how we can all sit in a room, put our cellphones down, and cry and laugh and get angry all together and then stand up and give the applause they deserve. It brings tears to your eyes. It’s so special.”

       “They should come see our show because it’s real and raw,” Warren said. “We all put our hearts into this production. It’s something we’ve worked hard on, so people coming to see it means a lot to us.”

       Tickets are available on our.show/aubreywonka. The show will run at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a matinee at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.