Schools

Chippewa Elementary Presents 'Willy Wonka Kids'

Story and photo gallery of the recent drama club performance by Scott Campbell.

The following article and accompanying photos were submitted by Scott Campbell.

Chippewa Elementary’s Drama Club recently held its annual fourth-grade theatrical production, with 53 students performing in “Willy Wonka Kids.”
The club held two sold out evening performances March 20-21 as well as two matinees during school for the other students.

The actors spent about five months rehearsing, including multiple rehearsals each week leading up to the performances, said teacher Jen Salerno, who directed and choreographed the production.

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Gabriela Jimenez started as the title character in Chippewa’s production of Roald Dahl’s classic novel, which also starred Anthony Amesti as Charlie Bucket, Michael Krolikiewicz as Grandpa Joe, Samantha Brummerloh as Violet Beauregard, Isabella Caropola as Veruca Salt, Abigail Carroll as Mike Teavee and Zachary Monteleone as Augustus Gloop.

In addition to other supporting actors, the play featured 29 singing and dancing Oompa Loompas. 

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More than a dozen other teachers, staff, parents and principal Patricia Aubrey also volunteered their efforts to get the performance ready for show time, Salerno said, making everything from costumes to programs to stage sets.

“It really takes such a team effort: kids, parents, custodians, everyone, to make it successful. They’re all really crucial,” Salerno said.

This year marked the largest production in Chippewa Drama Club’s three-year history. Last year, Chippewa staged “Winnie the Pooh” and two years ago performed “The Jungle Book.”

“The kids in this building are very musical. It’s been a great experience for me and everyone involved,” Salerno said.


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