Dec. 6, 2024
By Madison Quick
Staff Writer
A cast of 18 students turned the Lyndhurst Middle School stage into Willy Wonka’s fantastic world on Nov. 14 and 15, as they performed “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which was adapted from Roald Dahl’s classic children’s novel.
In the play, young Charlie Bucket (sophomore Joey Romeo) and his Grandpa Joe (senior Nathaniel C. Hughes) obtained a golden ticket, giving them the chance to join a small group of winners to tour a chocolate factory run by Willy Wonka (senior Rayan Yamout).
Director Ms. Coppola said there was a good turnout for the show with about 200 tickets sold for the two nights.
“We did sell more tickets than average, which is what I expected because it was a children’s show,” Coppola said.
“When it came to the development of the character, it kind of happened naturally.”
One of the key aspects of the show was the special effects, as each child disappeared in a manner that was both tragic and comedic. Augustus Gloop (senior Lesner Castro) fell into a chocolate river, Violet Beauregarde (sophomore Alessandra Ricra) inflated into a giant blueberry, Veruca Salt (junior Isabella Bartlett) was attacked by squirrels and Mike Teevee (junior Lucas Guerrero) shrunk when he traveled through a television screen.
“The end of every child was the highlight [of the show] because it hearkens back to the [1971] movie that people are so familiar with,” Coppola said.
She said she was happy with the performances because the cast did a great job.
“There were no issues, problems with people flubbing lines or scenes going sideways. Everything went according to plan,” Coppola said.
Freshman Kaden Brattoli, who played the narrator, said his favorite part of the show was the opening scene when he introduced the audience to the main characters.
“I liked that we had [many] kids in the audience. It was very interactive…. I asked them questions and they got to respond,” Brattoli said.
He said the hardest part of preparing for the show was figuring out how to portray his character and deciding what tone to use in his narrations.
“I eventually came to the conclusion that I wanted it to be more over the top,” Brattoli said. “I’m trying to get [the audience] intrigued in what the show is actually going to be like.”
Senior Rayan Yamout, who is an editor for The Lighthouse and has performed in LHS’ plays since his freshman year, said Willy Wonka was a challenging but fulfilling role.
“When it came to the development of the character, it kind of happened naturally,” Yamout said. “I will say, though, it was pretty strenuous [playing Willy Wonka] because I felt like I was never offstage.”
Yamout said the most rewarding part of being in the play was putting on the show.
“That’s what you’re presenting to the audience after a month and a half of rehearsals,” Yamout said.
He said he is happy to have finished his time in LHS’ plays on a good note.
“I’m really pleased with the performance, and now I am looking forward,” Yamout said. “It’s bittersweet.”
PHOTO BY ALEXANDRA RUIZ The narrator (freshman Kaden Brattoli) introduces the audience to the Golden Ticket winners.
