Welcome to the NMS 5th Grade Musical!

• The purpose of this production is to teach our students the theater arts and build community. We want our 5th graders to have fun and enjoy creating this show together. 
• Every student who registers will be cast in the show.
• Casting will be done by our director and Open Arts Alliance staff and is entirely at their discretion. No parents or students will be involved in the casting process.
• All rehearsal conflicts must be listed in the registration form. If a student misses too many rehearsals, it is at the discretion of the director to recast that student to a smaller role. 
• Both parent and student must read and sign the show agreement on the registration form.
• It is at the director's discretion to recast a part if a student is not meeting the good behavior standards they have agreed upon in their show agreement.
• Questions? Contact Tami at nmsdramaprogram@gmail.com.

WILLY WONKA INFORMATIONAL VIRTUAL MEETING:

January 23rd at 7pm

 https://meet.google.com/fpu-dbfa-mzu

Meet our cast: As of 2.3.23

Cast Message Board

Auditions:

• Auditions on February 23rd

Rehearsals (times subject to change):

• February 27th to March 9th: Mondays and Thursday from 3:15- 5:00pm
• Tuesday, March 14 and Thursday, March 16: 3:15-5:30pm 
• February 20th to March 30th: Monday-Friday 3:15- 5:30/6:00pm 

Performances (times subject to change):

• Thursday, March 30th & Friday March 31st: 2pm (dress rehearsal assembly for students) 
• Friday, March 31st: 7:00pm
• Saturday, April 1st: 2pm 

Show Synopsis

Willy Wonka, the greatest candy maker in the world, has a problem: it's time for him to retire, but who can replace him? Who will make new candy dreams come true?

Willy Wonka gathers all the Oompa-Loompas to announce his retirement and the search for the perfect "bright spark" of a child to replace him ("Golden Age of Chocolate").

Meanwhile, Charlie Bucket lives in a tiny shack with his family. They are very, very poor. Charlie's dad reads in the newspaper that Mr. Willy Wonka is having a contest! Golden Tickets have been hidden in five bars of chocolate; the lucky people who find Golden Tickets will win a tour of the factory and a lifetime supply of chocolate.

The local candy man arrives with his cart of Wonka treats and gives Charlie a sample "on the house" ("The Candy Man"). While enjoying his candy, Charlie learns that the enormous eater, Augustus Gloop, has found the first Golden Ticket in Munich, Germany. The reporter, Phineous Trout, announces that Veruca Salt has found the second Golden Ticket in São Paulo, Brazil. Veruca's father assisted her search by having factory workers shell chocolate wrappers.

Charlie makes his way home to a "Surprise!" It's Charlie's birthday! Charlie receives a Wonka bar as his present, but no Golden Ticket is found. The family tunes in to the radio, only to learn Violet Beauregarde, of Snellville, Georgia, has found the third Golden Ticket. Violet is a gum chewer who switched to chocolate in order to win the contest, but is now back to constantly chewing gum. Phineous Trout interrupts to announce that Mike Teavee, in Television City, California, has found the fourth Golden Ticket. Mike and his mother explain that the only thing they need is TV, the Internet and computer games.

The city is blanketed in a deep snow and Charlie encounters the Candy Man on the way to school. Charlie finds a coin buried in the snow and asks the Candy Man if it belongs to him. The Candy Man rewards Charlie with a Wonka bar for being "such a good kid." The starving boy wolfs it down and then immediately purchases another... finding the final Golden Ticket ("I've Got a Golden Ticket")! He runs home to tell his family the news, and they decide Grandpa Joe should accompany Charlie on the tour of Wonka's factory ("At the Gates – Pure Imagination").

Wonka greets the five winners and their parents at the gates, and they begin their tour of the magical factory ("Factory Reveal Sequence"). They arrive at the Chocolate Smelting Room, where Wonka chills chocolate to the perfect temperature for dipping strawberries. Augustus cannot resist tasting the chocolate and falls into a vat of it, which hardens instantly like Magic Shell, trapping him. The Oompa-Loompas remove Augustus and his mother and reveal the moral of easting too much ("Oompa-Loompa 1"). They arrive at the Inventing Room, where Violet is tempted by the Everlasting Gourmet Gobstopper. She snatches one, chews it and swells like a giant blueberry. The Oompa-Loompas remove her and her mother and explain the hazards of children who chew gum too much ("Oompa-Loompa 2").

Charlie and Grandpa Joe are separated from the group and discover the Fizzy Lifting Drink. They taste a bit of the drink and fly towards the sky. Right before they are sucked into a large fan, they discover that, by burping, they can float safely back to the ground ("Burping Song"). They rejoin the group in the Nut Room, where Veruca demands a squirrel, a pink candy boat and an Oompa-Loompa ("I Want it Now!"). Veruca and her father disappear down a trash chute that may or may not lead to the incinerator, and the Oompa-Loompas discuss the moral of spoiled brats ("Oompa-Loompa 3").

With just Charlie, Grandpa Joe, Mike and Mrs. Teavee left, the tour reaches the Choco-vision Room, whre Mike meets his temptation and is shrunk to barely six inches tall. The Oompa-Loompas discuss the moral of too much TV and technology ("Oompa-Loompa 4").

At the conclusion of the tour, Charlie does something remarkable: he thanks Wonka for the tour and admits to breaking the rules by tasting the Fizzy Lifting Drink. Wonka reveals the truth: that the tour was a test of character, and only Charlie has succeeded! Wonka proclaims Charlie as his successor as Charlie's family joins them at Wonka's factory ("Finale").

Willy Wonka / Candy Man

Willy Wonka is an enigmatic character; at once mysterious and mischievous but also charismatic. There are a number of directions to take with Wonka, ranging from Gene Wilder's version in the original film, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, to Johnny Depp's portrayal in the recent film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and everything in between. 

Candy Man

The Candy Man goes from neighborhood to neighborhood selling candy, much like an ice cream truck. He should be pleasant, charismatic, and friendly.  It's possible for a girl to play this role, but she should play the role as male, otherwise, the title of the song may not make sense.

Charlie Bucket

The role of Charlie Bucket is the emotional heart and soul of the musical. The actor performing Charlie should have an unchanged voice and lots of pluck and enthusiasm. Think a male "Annie." Charlie is in nearly every scene, so make sure you select an actor who can handle the demands of a sizable role.

Grandpa Joe

Grandpa Joe is the grandfather we all wish we had when we were Charlie's age. He is caring, patient, sweet and always reminds Charlie to remain cheerful. Cast an actor who can be kind and funny.

Mr. Bucket & Mrs. Bucket

These are great roles for young people who have nice voices, and are natural nurturers. Mr. and Mrs. Bucket can double as Oompa-Loompas in the second half of the show.

Phineous Trout

Phineous is the reporter who announces the winners of the Golden Ticket contest throughout the show. The role requires some singing, and can be played by either a boy or a girl. If played by a girl, be sure to change the pronouns appropriately.

Oompa-Loompa Chorus

The Oompa-Loompa Chorus can be as small as a handful of performers or as large as your stage and theater can accommodate.

Augustus Gloop

Augustus is the overachieving eater who represents the evils of eating too much. Be extremely sensitive in casting this role as it is tempting to cast an overweight young person and that can be scarring-especially if the child struggles with this issue. Consider casting a thin child and creating the illusion of size via the costume. Either a boy or a girl acting like a boy can play Augustus.

Mrs. Gloop

Mrs. Gloop is Augustus' mother who has overindulged her son with food. The role requires a character actress who isn't afraid to take positive risks both in her acting and her singing.

Mike Teavee

For this adaptation Mike is not just a TV junky. He is also addicted to video games, the Internet and any other mindnumbing technological device. Mike is bratty, loud and obnoxious. He does not know the word "no." 

Ms. Teavee

Ms. Teavee is a take on all television moms of the distant past. Think June Cleaver (Leave it to Beaver) or Marion Cunningham (Happy Days) or Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch). She's perfectly put together and a bit vacant.

Violet Beauregarde

Gum chewer extraordinaire, Violet hails from Snellville, Georgia, so it's nice if she has a Southern American accent, but not necessary. Violet should stand in stark contrast to Veruca Salt. Veruca is a wealthy refined brat; Violet is more of a blue-collar, middle-class brat.

Veruca Salt

Veruca is the wealthy, class-conscious, spoiled brat. She is often portrayed with a high British accent that is by no means required (brats come in all nationalities). Veruca's solo number "I Want It Now" is deceptively tricky and comes late in the show, so select a young woman with a strong voice. Veruca should contrast sharply with Violet Beauregarde in terms of look and physical type.

Grandma Josephina, Grandma Georgina, Grandpa George

Charlie's three grandparents are mainly non-singing character roles. Cast performers that are innately interesting, who have good comic timing and are solid actors. 

James

James is Charlie's friend from school. He has a few lines and sings the introduction of "The Candy Man" along with Matilda and Charlie.

Matilda

Matilda is also a schoolmate of Charlie's, but she's a bit of bully. Matilda has a few lines and sings the introduction of "The Candy Man" along with James and Charlie.

The Candy Man Kids

Sophie, Danny, Alfie, Billie and additional kids as needed are The Candy Man Kids -. These kids sing "The Candy Man" and their numbers may be expanded as you see fit and your program will allow.

Mrs. Beauregarde

Mrs. Beauregard is a teacher of geography and has invested a great deal of hard-earned money on therapy for her orally fixated daughter, with less than stellar results. The role is virtually non-singing. Her accent should match Violet's.

Mr. Salt

Mr. Salt's solution to most problems is to buy his way out. He is upper class, and usually portrayed with a high British accent. (But this accent is not necessary-just make sure Veruca and Mr. Salt sound like they hail from the same place.) He sings very little. A female actress playing male may also play the role.

Squirrels

The squirrels are non-speaking, non-singing roles and you can cast as many as necessary. 

Audition Information

• Students should sing a song they are comfortable with. Please keep practice a short song or portion of a song.

Audition Sides

The director will assign each child one or more sides to read at auditions on.

• Coming Soon

Rehearsal Resources

Use the guide vocals to learn the songs and the performance tracks to try your hand at singing without the vocals. Use the choreography videos to learn your choreography.

• Audio Tracks: 
  • Guide Vocals
  • Performance Tracks 
• Choreography: 
  • Choreography Videos

Have your artwork be part of the set for Willy Wonka KIDS!

We are looking for a few original drawings from the 5th grade class to use as part of the show set and gym decorations.

Please submit full color drawings of candy: chocolate bars, candy bars, gum packages, lollipops, etc. 

These images are just ideas to start off. Feel free to look online for other images for inspiration!

We are looking for full color drawings that we scan and have printed as banners. If your drawing is chosen you will be listed as featured artist on the playbill and your work will be seen by the entire school and community!

 Artwork submissions can come from any 5th grade student, not just cast members. 

Please bring your drawings to a rehearsal by February 10^thor drop them off at the office.

When are auditions? 

The auditions will be on February 23rd. Casting will be done entirely by OAA staff. No students or parents will be involved in casting. Students should practice singing a song. It can be any song they know (Happy Birthday, Star Spangled Banner, etc.), they do not need to sign a song from the show. 

 
My child has several conflicts with rehearsal dates, but wants to participate, should I still sign them up?

We want this to be a very inclusive opportunity for all of the 5th grade, so we would encourage him or her to register if they want to be part of the production and can make a majority of rehearsals. All rehearsal conflicts need to be listed on the registration form. Any conflicts with these rehearsals need to be discussed with the director. Please be aware that students who have many conflicts will be cast in smaller roles. 

My child wants to be involved but does not want to be on stage. Are there any opportunities to just work behind the scenes?

We want every student to learn the show, play a part, and take their bow at the end of the performance to get the full theater education experience. We will not have purely behind the scenes roles and instead have cast members be involved in the whole process. The ensemble is a great option for kids who don't want to be center stage. If your child would prefer a smaller ensemble role, they can let Mrs. Dunn know their preference at auditions.  

How is the PTA funding the show?

Producing a show is an expensive undertaking. Your program fee plus ticket sales will go towards licensing fees and show materials, fees for our director and music instructors, set, costumes, sound and lights, programs and more. We will also supplement with extra t-shirts sales, program ads and concessions as needed.  While the 5th Grade Musical is a PTA sponsored event, it is self-funding. 

When will tickets go on sale?

Tickets will be sold in March. Tickets will be general admission.

How can parents help?

We need lots of volunteers to help make costumes, supervise rehearsals, help make set pieces and help on show day with makeup, costumes, tickets and more. We will have rehearsal and performance volunteer opportunities listed soon. If you would like to be actively involved in the planning committee, email the Tami at tami.summerton@gmail.com.

Open Arts Alliance (OAA) is a 501c3 non-profit social service organization that uses the performing arts to bridge the gap between the youngest and eldest members of our community. Through our educational programs for children and senior citizens, OAA is dedicated to bringing literacy and art to Greenwich and the surrounding community. Our educational programs use theatre to speak to students of all ages about personal wellness, bullying and making positive life choices. Learn more at OpenArtsAlliance.com.

Rocco Natale (left): Executive Director, Open Arts Alliance

Jake Lloyd (right): Program Director, Open Arts Alliance

Jake has worked in theatre and music for over 20 years. As an educator, he has worked primarily with middle school students in the classroom and on the stage.
His work as composer / director / conductor has been seen off-Broadway, in regional venues, and countless theaters across the country, with original works that include, The Lost Boys, Anne of Green Gables, and A Christmas Carol.

 

Jennifer Dunn: Teaching Artist

Recognized by the district as a Distinguished Teacher (2021) Jennifer is an educator in the Greenwich Public Schools and has called North Mianus School home for the past fourteen years. Jennifer Ambrogio Dunn is a founding member of Open Arts Alliance where she currently serves as the Secretary of the Board of Directors. As a former Greenwich High School and Youth cheerleading coach, Mrs. Dunn believes that students can learn in the classroom, on the field, or onstage. Creating inclusive and safe theatre spaces for students of all abilities is a passion of Mrs. Dunn’s, and she is excited to bring more educational outreach to North Mianus! Jennifer holds a BA in Psychology and Theater Studies from Quinnipiac University, a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Quinnipiac University and a Sixth Year Advanced Degree from the University of LaVerne.   

Contact Jennifer: jennifer@openartsalliance.com 

 

Ana Laborde: OAA in Schools Coordinator

Ana has been volunteering for the GPS PTAs since 2015 when she became ISD PTA Secretary. Since then she has not stopped working in the schools to help enrich the education of our kids and advocate for parents, students, and teachers as PTA President, PTAC VP Curriculum and many more roles. Ana is a theatre mom through and through and has been involved with Open Arts Alliance since 2015 when her daughter was cast in her first production with OAA and was responsible for costuming Frozen Jr. for OAA in 2019. Ana re-started the 5th Grade Musical at ISD in 2019 and has been producing it since. She is thrilled to be working to bring this OAA in Schools to other schools in Greenwich.