"Willy Wonka Can, The Candyman Can"

Our performing arts program at All Saints Academy is growing steadily, as are the skills of our performers! For our third production, we welcomed students in grades fifth through eighth to try out, and we welcomed the fourth graders to join as we needed a second chorus to round out our production of Willy Wonka Jr. Our cast did not disappoint! I am so proud of them and their growth. Our costumes as well as our AMAZING prop pieces brought this show to a new level! Some of my fondest memories I have had over the last many years come from directing musicals, and it was an exciting challenge to bring musicals to ASA when I was hired three years ago to be part of the staff.

A production such as this could not come to life without the pool of talents of many. To all those who helped, I extended a sincere and deep thanks. We were blessed to have such a community at ASA. Our show had a professional backdrop rented from a production company in California, full size gates to the factory, a full size pink candy boat, a chocolate fountain, a large TV, a candyman stand, and so much more. What a cast- from our squirrels, to Oompa Loompas, the grandparents to Wonka, the Candyman to Phineous Trout, the parents and their children, they were all great. Our “golden ticket winners” were memorable. Our Augustus was delightfully round, our Violet exploded so well, our Mike Teavee appropriately screen-obsessed, our Veruca aptly spoiled and Charlie unendingly kind.  All of these memories were captured by a professional photographer and videographer. You can see a few photos here. We really felt like we were all “flying,” not just Grandpa Joe and Charlie.

We were lucky enough to receive an endowment from St. Alphonsus at the onset of our program three years ago to get us started. We are so grateful! Since then, we have created a self-sustaining program and now hold it in the performing arts center at Kenowa Hills High School. Having a production such as this at our school is such a gift. I truly believe in the transformative power of the performing arts, and I encourage all children to try it at least once. You will make so many memories and learn so much about yourself. Our cast spent endless hours learning their songs, cue, choreography, and lines. They became closer and grew in their talents. Former ASA students (and students from before I was here!) came back to help, visit, and volunteer.

From our “candy factory” concessions, to meals, to props, to hair, to make-up, to sets, and everything in between ... A production such as this could not happen without such supportive parents! Again, I extended my thanks. To our over 1000 attendees and show ticket holders, thank you! We hope you enjoyed the show as much as we did putting it on for you. As they say, the candyman can ‘cos he mixes it all with love and makes the world taste good.

Photo credit to our amazing photographer, Jamie Geysbeek Photography