Rocky Point Middle School presented their successful musical, “Willy Wonka Junior” on Nov. 22 and 23. The production brought together 116 students, nine teachers and countless family and community members for a successful and joyful collaboration of theatre and music making.
 
Rehearsals started in September with students learning their roles, songs, dances and blocking. 

“I was so impressed with the challenges that these young people overcame each day to put their best foot forward and produce an outstanding performance. Middle School producer and vocal coach Emily Farrell said. “Despite any difficulties at home or challenges in school, these students persisted, allowing the stage and their love for theatre to transform them into someone new. I think that’s my favorite thing about theatre....it enables students to become versions of themselves that they never thought possible, thus creating more confident and tenacious individuals. We have such hardworking and talented students here in Rocky Point. They deserve so much praise for all the time and effort they put in to make this show possible!”
 
Middle School director and vocal coach Jessica Spitz said, “For the second year, High School students were given the opportunity to be a part of the production team and gain real-life experience. The High School students showed a commitment to the Rocky Point Theatre Program, volunteering countless hours to help the Middle School students make their show the best it could be. From creating choreography and helping students learn their dances, to moving the many set pieces of the candy factory, to helping organize the costumes and tickets, the High School students showed how much they valued the determination and learning of the Middle School actors.”
 
In October, cast members and their families attended a Family Volunteer Day to help build sets, costumes and props. In this show, most of the cast members had at least two costumes, so the volunteers came with glue guns, scissors and sewing machines to make miracles happen. So much of the magic on stage came from the students' parents volunteering their own time. Wonka's candy world was completely decorated by talented and enthusiastic parents of the middle school cast, and fifty Oompa Loompa costumes were created by a few dedicated and determined parents as well.
 
In November, stage crew and tech crew joined rehearsals. The tech crew continued to demonstrate their skill and professionalism as they managed the lighting and sound needs of the production under the direction of Andy Cooper. Anthony Nobre, Joseph Gabrinowitz, and Seth Meier created beautiful set pieces and the student-run stage crew, under the leadership of High School seniors Maya MacCarthy and Darren Castellucci, brought their magic of Wonka's chocolate factory to life!
The week of the show, “Tech Week,” was very busy for all students involved. It started with the traditional trip to JAE, where members of the Middle School cast performed for all the students and faculty in two assemblies. These “teaser” performances generated a strong level of interest from the JAE students, not only to attend the weekend performance, but also to get involved in the musical when they become Middle School students. The busy week continued with a performance for the FJC students and staff, who walked over to the High School to see the performance in the auditorium.
 
During after school rehearsals, the High School Cosmetology students, under the direction of Jeanne Stiastny and Maran Bouton, applied their skills to help the students with their hair and stage make-up. The auditorium and hallways were buzzing with excitement on Friday and Saturday night for the performances.
 
“I am thrilled to see how the show progressed over the past few months, Middle School choreographer Jaimie Mancini said. “The Middle School students put so much time and effort into this show and it really paid off. I am beyond impressed with the High School students who were incredibly professional and encouraging to the younger students. Not only did they serve as mentors, but they were also a huge help to the directors.”
 
“My favorite thing about theatre is how the experience brings so many people together; so many backgrounds, skill sets, and ages, all working towards a common goal,” added Ms. Spitz. “It is not only the students you see on stage, but the families and teachers who encourage them. It is also the High School students who come back to assist with a program that was such a significant part of their Middle School experience. The students can feel the genuine support and encouragement and it is so meaningful to them. One of the magical moments about closing night was hearing all the students [thanking] the parent volunteers, the teachers and High School students, the custodians, and the security guards whenever they passed one in the hallway. Even in the middle of their own exciting performance, they can feel the support of an entire community!”
 
“The students and staff involved in this production worked incredibly hard this year,” Secondary Music Department Chairperson Ms. Amy Schecher said. “We are beyond fortunate to have such talented students and an incredibly dedicated faculty. It’s amazing how all the moving parts work collaboratively to put on a successful production. What may appear to those in the audience as something seamless could not happen without all the hard work and detailed organization that goes into this. A production of this magnitude also could not be possible without the encouragement of the parents of the cast and crew. We are very thankful that the administration and Board of Education support these endeavors for the students and the music department. Congratulations to all.” 

“It is such an amazing treat to see what my former students can accomplish in the one-three years after they leave JAE,” added Elementary Music Department Chairperson Craig Knapp. “The growth and development of the students is out of this world and their performance was stellar. Witnessing my former students on the stage performing with such artistry and independence fills me with pride and joy. The entire production was exceptional. My heartfelt congratulations to all involved!”