Pure Imagination Comes to Life at Burns: Willy Wonka Jr. Shines on Stage!

The Burns Sci-Tech Theatre & Dance Department delighted audiences with a magical production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr., performed on December 16 and 17. Students took the stage multiple times to share their hard work with the entire school community, performing daytime shows for K–6 students on Tuesday, followed by an evening performance, and then daytime shows for grades 7–12 on Thursday, with another evening performance for families and community members that night. Each performance was filled with energy, color, and confidence, showcasing the incredible dedication and talent of our students.

From the moment the curtain rose, Christopher Barth set the tone with a stellar performance as Willy Wonka/Candyman, captivating the audience right from the beginning. The rest of the cast did not disappoint. William Friel shined as Charlie Bucket, bringing heart and sincerity to the role, while Troy Pandelos as Grandpa Joe added warmth and humor. Together, they truly lit up the stage. The entire Bucket family was a highlight, with Zoey Blair as Grandma Georgina, Veronica Hutchinson as Grandma Josephina, and Thorin Fairbanks as Grandpa George delivering wonderful performances full of personality and charm. Alexa Hez and Riley Sinks were outstanding as Mr. and Mrs. Bucket, especially during their heartfelt and rousing rendition of “Cheer Up, Charlie.”

The supporting cast brought even more magic to the production. Sidda Sims was phenomenal as Mrs. Gloop, perfectly paired with Cody Capps as Augustus Gloop, making audiences feel as though they were straight from Bavaria. Parker Blood portrayed the bratty Veruca Salt to a T, perfectly capturing her spoiled attitude and commanding stage presence, with Ayden Hill delivering a strong and entertaining performance as her devoted (and overwhelmed) father, Mr. Salt. Together, they brought humor and energy to every scene they shared. Nik Chapdelaine also impressed as Mrs. Teavee, alongside Shalom Hawkins as Mike Teavee, creating a dynamic and memorable duo that further brought the story to life. Mia Chapdelaine brought energy and confidence to Violet Beauregarde, supported by Julia Sulle as Mrs. Beauregarde. Each performance transported the audience back to the beloved movie that many remember watching as kids. Additional standout performances included Mary McMaster as Matilda, Jaxon Brown as James, and Josslyn Kutasi, who added flair and professionalism as reporter Phineous Trout. Every cast member played an important role in making the show truly unforgettable.

This year’s production was directed by the amazing Ms. Lee, with Kyle Leve serving as Music Director and Belle Lee, one of our 2023 graduates, as Assistant Director and Choreographer. Their dedication, creativity, and leadership were evident in every scene. Each year, the Burns Sci-Tech Theatre & Dance program continues to grow stronger, more polished, and more impressive, and Willy Wonka Jr. was a shining example of how these productions truly get better and better.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our generous sponsors who make these performances possible. Special recognition goes to our Candyman Level Sponsors: Backyard Pool and Spa Repair, LLC, Chapdelaine Automotive, Lazy Sago, Inc., and Jared Silverman, Senior Director of Investments at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. We are also incredibly grateful for our 25+ Oompa Loompa Level sponsors. We truly could not do this without your support. Thank you for helping bring the magic of theatre to life at Burns Sci-Tech!

As the curtain closes on Willy Wonka Jr., excitement is already building for what’s next at Burns Sci-Tech Theatre & Dance. This spring, students will invite audiences to follow them on a whimsical journey where imagination runs wild, the unexpected is around every corner, and nothing is quite as it seems. If this production was any indication, the future of theatre at Burns Sci-Tech is brighter than ever. We look forward to welcoming our school community back to the stage soon, as our talented students continue to shine and bring stories to life. We’ll see you in Wonderland this spring!

Willy Wonka Jr. '25