Audiences Are Bonkers For Wonka

Recently, the Massapequa school district proved that, if anyone can make a successful stage production out of a beloved children's book and film, the Candy Man...or rather, , can.

Berner's production of "Willy Wonka," is an adaptation of author Roald Dahl's 1964 children's book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," the tale of a weird and mysterious candy maker searching for his replacement by hiding five lucky Golden Tickets in his popular chocolate bars.

Berner's version, a hybrid of the various film incarnations combined with original, updated material, ran for two incredibly successful weekend shows, starring a plethora of their talented young stars.

Andrea Surless, one of the heads of the production, said that Berner has a long and proud history of student stage work.

"We've done "High School Musical," "Footloose," "Bye-Bye Birdie," different, fun things - we did "Annie" last year," she said.

This year they decided to adapt yet another fan-favorite work to the theater, with their own unique twist spun on the material.

"The version we're doing is a mix of the 1971 movie, as well as the Johnny Depp version," Surless said. "We figured that Willy Wonka would be good for the kids because we have the Oompa-Loompas, it's a fun story, and most of the kids already know it."

Thus, according to Surless, the grueling task of casting the right actors for the play's many roles began.

"Auditions were in November, where 49 out of over 150 actors and actresses were selected to take part," she said. "They've been working since December, every day after school, from 3:00 - 5:50."

The show displayed an visual flair one normally wouldn't expect from a middle school production, with elaborately-constructed sets and seamless transitions from one scene to another, thanks to the excellent work of the seasoned stagehands.

Nick Vinberg stepped into shoes previous filled by the likes of Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp...those of Willy Wonka himself.

"It's kind of nerve-wracking...you have to do a lot of work to be in it," he said. "But once you keep on practicing for a long time with all your friends, you kinda get used to it, and once you get our in front of the audience, you just say a couple of words, and it's all good. I like playing Willy because of how funny he is...he's just like that weird guy."

Nick Greco seemed a natural casting choice for the play's co-star and finder of the last infamous Golden Ticket, Charlie Bucket.

"It's a lot of fun...I like being surrounded by my friends, who have the same interests that I do, like acting," he said. "I like having the audience laugh and enjoy the show. I like being Charlie because it kind of relates to me as a person, who I am."

Nicole Phillips, who starred as the precocious Violet Beauregarde, shared the ups and downs of transforming oneself into produce.

"Being a blueberry is definitely fun," she said. "I had to run off-stage, and change in a matter of seven seconds. But everyone here is really supportive and they become like your second family. It's a ton of fun...late nights, inside jokes...it's just the best."

Nicole's favorite part about playing Violet should come as no surprise to fans of the films.

"I get to chew gum in school," she said. "I've had 48 pieces of gum this week."

Elizabeth Venezia's take on the bratty rich-kid Veruca Salt saw the character's origin transplanted from England from Brazil, but worry not...otherwise, Veruca is as ill-mannered as ever.

"After a long, hard day at school you just get to come here and be with your friends and have fun," she said. "The best part about playing Veruca is throwing around the lolly pops and just be a brat."

Surless praised the performances of her students.

"The kids have worked really hard," she said. "They're here every day, they're very dedicated, they all act their characters. They had a lot of fun last night, and I told them that they've got to step it up one notch tonight, and I wish them luck. They did a great job this year."

Jack Healy filled the lederhosen of German chocolate lover, Augustus Gloop.

"I think it was an awesome experience," he said. "I was a little nervous at first, performing in front of everybody -this is the first real play I've ever done - but it was an awesome time and a fun experience."

Charlie McGrath was fast on the draw as the media-obsessed Mike Teavee.

"We're all having a blast, because we all like acting, obviously...that's why we're doing this," he said. "I get a lot of laughs...a lot of people laugh during my scenes, and it makes me feel good."

William Meurer, a veteran of the Berner stage, played the Candy Man.

"I just love doing the berner shows...I was in "Annie" last year," he said. "It's just amazing...this is one of the most whimsical shows we've ever done, and it's so elaborate. The chocolate pipes and everything...these are the most amazing visual effects we've ever done for a show."

If box-office receipts were any indication, it's safe to say that Berner will be putting on yet another stellar production next year.

"It sold out last night with about 810 people," Surless said. "We sold extra tickets yesterday, so tonight I believe we have about 800."

Despite the universal praise and sold-out shows, Surless feels that the play's brief run is a bit of a disservice to her actors.

"It's only two days, which stinks," she said, smiling. 'It should be more."