GHS, GJHS light up the stage with ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’
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(KYLIE BAILEY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Willy Wonka, played by Jack Page, shows golden ticket winners around his factory during the Graham Junior High School and Graham High School’s performance of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” on Sunday, Dec. 4. -
(KYLIE BAILEY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) From left to right, Grandpa Joe, played by Tate Dunlap, Charlie Bucket, played by Rachel Bleeker, and Mrs. Gloop, played by Kaidee Allsup, along with other golden ticket winners, sing during the Sunday, Dec. 4 performance of Willy Wonka Jr. -
(KYLIE BAILEY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Veruca Salt, played by Madison Freeman, sings about all of the things she wants during the Sunday, Dec. 4 performance of Willy Wonka Jr. -
(KYLIE BAILEY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) -
(KYLIE BAILEY | THE GRAHAM LEADER) -
(KYLIE BAILEY | THE GRAHAM LEADER)
Students from Graham Junior High School and Graham High School came together for two sold-out performances of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” at the GHS auditorium. Director Katie Huitt said both groups of students were able to share more than just the stage as a part of the musical.
The performances were held Sunday, Dec. 4 and Monday, Dec. 5, with tickets selling out at least a day before the performances, according to Huitt. The director said the biggest change from other district performances was the inclusion of both theater classes at GJHS and GHS.
“We’ve never done that before. It was a really, really awesome experience for everybody,” Huitt said. “I was speaking with my junior high kids yesterday and each one of them said the same thing, that they were really worried about performing with high school kids because they didn’t know if they would be welcomed and they didn’t know if it would just be intimidating. They all told me that they loved getting to know these high school students and they felt welcomed, accepted, and like they were a valued part of the team. I’m really excited to see that kind of mentorship.”
Huitt said the partnership allowed high school students to impart their wisdom of the theater to the junior high school students, while the junior high school students saw the upperclassmen as role models.
“I loved seeing the older kids grow into mentors and I love the younger kids finding their place to fit in,” Huitt said. “Every one of my older kids that have been with me for years, they know how important that was to be able to find a place where they belong in this theater department. To be able to see them lead the younger kids into that environment and find their place. It was really rewarding.”
For the full story, see the Saturday, Dec. 10 edition of The Graham Leader.
