Talented cast wows Willy Wonka audience

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St. Paul Drama Club crowned assistant director Jud Hartmen as King of the Willy Wonka Jr. production for his work on choreography at Saturday night’s show in the Parish Activity Center. Mrs. Janet Hazlett is play director and Drama Club advisor.

At least 150 purchased tickets each of the first two nights of the play, not including complimentary ticket holders. The final performance will be at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The green-haired Oompa Loompa singers and dancers were evidence of Hartman’s efforts on the production. A special black light scene also provided a nice visual effect.

Brianna Motley’s singing of the “Candy Man” was outstanding.

Erin Liggett as Willy Wonka and Marco Colant as Charlie Bucket led the audience almost effortlessly through scenes with each of the golden ticket holders who all performed well. The four in addition to Charlie Bucket were:

✰ Angie Miller as overeater Augustus Gloop with Jacqueline Wammes as Mrs. Gloop,

✰ Hannah Horrigan as gum-chewing Violet Beauregard with Jamie Dean as Mrs. Beauregard.

✰ Noelle Colant as spoiled brat Veruca Salt with Abby Pilgrim as Mrs. Salt.

✰ Emily Roberts as Mike Teavee with Kendra Alexander as Ms. Teavee

Alyse Bachmann as reporter Phineas Trout introduced each of the ticket holders.

Charlie Bucket’s family included Matt Kannel and Gabrielle Kapper as Mr.and Mrs. Bucket, Kristin Walker as Grandma Josephina, Lexi Krim as Grandma Georgina, Nick McInturff as Grandpa George, and Trevor Ellis as Grandpa Joe.

Other roles include Sean Horrigan as James, Sierra Robisnon as Matilda, Jaclynn Wood as Sophie; Lexi Chisholm as Danny, Faith Chrostoski as Alfie and Ally Bachman as Billie, Sara Broadbent as Candyman Kid; Lexi Chisholm as cook. Squirrels were Claire Fatica, Sam Giffins, Cameron Krim, Regina Neugebauer, Maddie Peters , Michael Sartoski and Kaiti Thomas.

Oompa Loompa dancers included Sami Woodill, Shannon Lloyd, Isabelle Miller, Cynthia Preston, Haley Boatwright, Ryan Canan, Allie Joyner, Sam Smith, Calista Sokolowsi and Kyle Walker.

The crew include Mrs. Hazlett, director, Hartman, assistant director, assistants Sean Collins, Mrs. Teresa Lloyd and Mrs. Ann Wright; musical and technical directors Tim Longfellow and Tom Liggett; set coordinators Mrs. Jeanette Michel and Ms. Maggie Walker, set designers Aaron Abernathy, Michael Riegger, Miss Shannon Hite and Miss Erica Hathaway and volunteer coordinators Betsy Roberts and Rikki Hoirrigan.

Cameras and camcorders were discouraged at the show but Mrs. Julie Gabelman shot many dress rehearsal photos which will be given to each of the 50 some cast members on a CD.