'Willy Wonka' Launches Friday at Lakeland High School

With high-soaring action and 62 students dancing and singing about a golden ticket, director Michael Brody expects the production of , which opens Friday, to prove a success. 

Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday  in the LHS auditorium.

This year, Brody and producer Cyndi Dailey are excited to offer students a unique opportunity: to fly. An apparatus will be set up by ZFX Flying Effects, based in Kentucky, and many lucky youngsters will get to view the stage from a new angle—from above.

“We thought it would be a unique opportunity for the kids,” Dailey said. “It’s not only a good show in and of itself, but now the flying will add the little wow factor.”

The students playing the roles of Willy Wonka, Charlie, Grandpa Joe, Augustus Gloop and a couple of Oompa-Loompas will be lifted up during the production. Both Lauren Hunter, who plays Augustus Gloop, and Blaine Mizer, who plays Willy Wonka, said they weren’t scared to try out the apparatus and thought it was thrilling.

“My favorite scene is the one where I get to fly,” said Mizer, a 16-year-old junior at LHS. “I love heights, and it’s really awesome.”

Brody said that of the other two productions that the Lakeland Players Community Theatre members have done in conjunction with the high school, this one will be the most technical and elaborate. According to Brody, a team of parents, students and staff built a chocolate waterfall, a gigantic pink boat and other exquisite sets.

“The parents of the actors just came out in droves and helped us create these absolutely beautiful sets,” Brody said.

Thirty-seven LHS students are taking part in the musical this year, and Brody noted that the amount of talent is exciting.

Hunter was surprised she received the role of Augustus Gloop because she is a girl, but she was thrilled because it was the part she wanted. Brody ensured she will look like a guy at the performance, and added that Hunter’s acting is another great reason to see the production.

“I like funny things, and Augustus is a ridiculous part,” said Hunter, a 15-year-old sophomore at LHS.

She will have her first solo singing part this year, when she performs “I Eat More.” She said she is nervous but excited at the same time. 

Serving as the squirrels will be 25 elementary and middle school students from throughout the Huron Valley School District. Many of the younger children have an older brother or sister in the production. Dailey was happy that there was a good mixture of high school students, freshmen through seniors.

According to Dailey, the choice to do Willy Wonka this year came from the desire to produce another fun production that could incorporate a sizable cast.

“We are really trying to build a program, and family-fun shows always prove to bring a large audience,” Dailey said.

At the show, Wonka Bars, Wonka Everlasting Gobstoppers and other kinds of Wonka candy will be on sale to go along with the theme of the evening. To make things even more exciting for attendees, there will be one golden ticket hidden each night in one of the candy bars, and the person with the golden ticket will win a prize.

“I’m always excited about the effort the kids put in and to see the finished product,” Dailey said.

Tickets to the show are $10 per person and can be purchased the night of the performance or online at www.lakelandhs.com. A dinner theater option is available as well for $35, with proceeds going to the LHS Student Assistance Fund. Limited tickets are available for this option, which includes dinner at 5:30 p.m. and VIP seating. For further information, call 248-318-9175.