Chocolate chortles

Robert J. Kaiser Middle School’s production of Willy Wonka Junior was a sweet treat

By RICHARD A. ROSS

MONTICELLO, NY—The tradition of fine musicals continued with the Robert J. Kaiser Middle School’s charming production of Willy Wonka Junior on November 7 and 8. Directed by Amy Abraham, assisted by high school student Mary Setren, the familiar tale of Charlie Bucket winning the golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, and the ensuing mishaps of all of the contestants except Charlie and his grandpa Joe, provided a visual and auditory delight.

With the musical direction of Snezana Lazich, costumes by Ann Carmeci, choreography by senior Joshua Oates and sets by Tim Buckey and Trisha Cahalan, the production featured 20 musical numbers including “Oompa Loompa,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” and the “The Candy Man.” Willy Wonka Jr., which is based on the novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl, was produced by Monticello music director Kevin Dirth.

Leslie Briscuss and Anthony Newley wrote words and music for the score, made famous in two movies, starring first Gene Wilder and then Johnny Depp.

The cast, featuring Anthony Lombardi as Charlie, Angelo Heimowitz as Willy Wonka, Jacob Martin as Grandpa Joe and David Ambra as Mr. Bucket, was enlivened by the other Wonka ticket holders, including Dustin Thomas as Augustus Gloop, Andrew Nagoda as Mike TeaVee, Esther Hong as Violet Beauregard and Jaclyn Bellamy as the grating Veruca Salt.

Accompanied by a pit orchestra of Judith Schaf on piano, Lazich on second keyboard and Jesse Martinez on percussion, the children’s voices rang clear and strong.

Kudos to all for yet another stellar Monticello production.

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