WHS Drama Club’s ‘Willy Wonka’ a ticket to all sorts of sweet surprises

Willy Wonka, the wizard of all things sweet, and his traveling chocolate factory arrived in Wooster earlier this month for a mouth-watering tour in Wooster High School’s Performing Arts Center. The play, based on Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” opened the weekend of Nov. 15-16 and continues with three more shows Nov. 21-23.The Wooster version of this deliciously popular stage play and movie was directed by Emily Patterson and her father, Todd, both of whom have storied histories with the theater program at Wooster. Adam Kirk was the student director, Alex Hasapis was the stage manager and Stephanie Musselman was the choreographer. Other members of the production crew included Chuck Armbruster (set construction), Mark Lehman (sound), and Julie Summy (lighting).The play’s central character, little Charlie Bucket, can’t stop dreaming about Willy Wonka’s treats. He fantasizes about a “lifetime supply of chocolate” (don’t we all?), and eventually wins a golden ticket good for a mesmerizing tour of the chocolate factory. In the end, Charlie becomes the recipient of an even tastier treat, and they all live “chocolatey” ever after.Charlie and his co-star were endearingly played by eighth-grader Holden Jackson and senior Matt Friedhoff, respectively. Both young men handled their formidable roles and hearty vocal numbers with considerable aplomb.Charlie’s parents, played by Aaron Cochran and Beth Clayton, provided sage advice for their son, but his grandparents, Joe (Storm Nicholson) and Josephine (Jaryn Lindenmuth) and George (Adam Kirk) and Georgina (Aiche N’Diaye), were more free-spirited as they humorously chirped and chattered from the bed they awkwardly shared and rarely left.Other noteworthy performances were turned in by Sutter Niblick and Hannah Otto, who playfully portrayed the Swiss-chocolate couple Augustus and Mrs. Gloop; and Tom Myers and Mallory Wald, who brought vibrant energy to the characters Mike and Ms. Teavee. In addition, Scott Nicholson was highly polished as Mr. Salt, while twin brother Storm was appropriately irreverent (particularly in the “Burping Song”); Taylor Mills was downright sassy as Veruca Salt in her rendition of “I Want it Now;” and Hope Kennedy and Helena Gastier were both amusing and entertaining as Violet and Mrs. Beauregarde in “Chew It.”And let’s not forget the omnipresent Oompa-Loompas, who combined levity with a pleasing blend of voices during a series of musical interludes. But the bouquet of roses went to Dan Adams and his orchestra, which was absolutely sensational with its deep, rich, milk chocolate sound from the overture to the final curtain.