Woodglen Goes Wonka with Schoolwide Reading, Musical and Food Drive

Woodglen Elementary School presents ”Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Jr.,” a musical based on Roald Dahl’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

This year, reports teacher Lisa Imperial, there are 4th and 5th graders participating and Nadia Rizzo, the music teacher from Albertus Magnus, is the Musical Director. Many Albertus students are volunteering their time to help the students create the sets and scenery for the show.

“ So, it is, truly, a community effort!” Imperial said.

This year’s theme is on “Always reaching for your goals, even when they seem unreachable...and NEVER giving up!” Charlie, the main character, always tries to ’think positive,’ and ultimately he achieves something that he never dreamed would come true. Charlie shows us that the most beautiful things in life come from the most unexpected people and places.

Woodglen, as a school, is reading the book, so it’s a school-wide focus with the musical production the culminating event.

The students involved in the musical meet after school twice a week.

They are, once again, planning to give back to the community, by also hosting a food drive, hoping to spread a little love and magic to People to People as the holiday season begins. Canned goods and non-perishable food items will be collected the evenings of both performances.

Also, on opening night, special musical guests will perform to kick off the event: recording artist Ayanna Irish and the a cappella group Jingle Belles.

The show will be performed at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20 and 7 p.m. Nov. 21 at South High School Auditorium.