Willy Wonka, Jr. On Stage at Edgewood Elementary School

The Oompa Loompas in Edgewood School's performance of Willy Wonka, Jr.After more than 30 years without a multi-grade level play, theater returned to Edgewood Elementary School’s main stage with KJK's production of Willy Wonka Jr, performed by 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students on Friday, January 17th.   

The students worked hard for two weeks, rehearsing every day after school for 2 1/2 hours, which culminated in two performances - one for their teachers and peers, and an evening show for parents, family, and friends.  Despite the grueling schedule and many of the cast members coming down sick - the show went on!  The students were excited to see their work come to fruition and learned a lot about theater and performing for an audience.  

Edgewood students with 4th grader Ren Shirai as Willy Wonka. 

The show also benefitted from 7 students as stage crew members who learned about sound, lighting, and backstage work.  In previous years, school-wide plays were thought to be too difficult because the gym can only accommodate a limited number of audience members.  Yet this year, led by the vision of PTA members and collaborative efforts with school principal Tashia Brown and assistant principal William Yang, it was agreed that a production would work for the upper elementary students, with the idea that K-2 students can look forward to being in future productions.  

The cast of Edgewood's Willy Wonka Jr listening to director Suzie Hepker of KJK Productions

The school community was impressed by the performance and it is hoped that a school play will now become one of Edgewood's yearly traditions.

Edgewood students performing in Willy Wonka Jr