Newfield High unwraps the magic of ‘Willy Wonka’

In a series of captivating performances that spanned from March 22 to March 24, the Newfield Trojan Masquers masterfully brought Roald Dahl’s beloved tale to life through “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka,”  a musical rendition of the novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” 

The production saw a collaborative effort from students, faculty, staff and family members who filled the cast, crew and band roles. The production showcased the diverse talent within the Newfield community, from the powerful vocals of the lead actors to the intricate set designs and energetic performances.

The musical unfolded in an immersive manner as Oompa Loompas meandered through the audience, engaging with spectators before the show officially began. This unique interaction set the stage for a memorable experience. 

As the lights dimmed and focused on the balcony, the enigmatic Willy Wonka, portrayed by Newfield senior Ulric Claar, emerged, serenading the audience with “Pure Imagination.” Claar, a veteran of school musicals since sixth grade, delivered the opening monologue, setting the tone for the evening with a narrative about Wonka’s retirement and the search for his successor.

According to Claar, the musical is almost exactly the same as the original film, with minor dialogue alterations and cuts for time. Still, the script includes several direct quotes from the movie. The script included characters named after other Roald Dahl creations, such as Matilda, a nod to Dahl’s expansive literary universe.

“It’s kind of a mishmash of the Johnny Depp and Gene Wilder versions,” said Claar.

The journey to the stage was rigorous, with December auditions drawing many talented students. Rehearsals, which began in January and lasted into March, were intense and demanding, with the cast and crew often staying late into the evening to perfect their performances. Despite the challenges posed by the rehearsal schedule, the dedication of cast and crew and their passion for theater shone through. 

The cast, a vibrant mix of high school and middle school students, returning alumni, parents and community members, embodied a strong sense of teamwork and community spirit. Scianna Shank, a veteran of musical theater since seventh grade who played Grandpa Joe, echoed this sentiment, underlining the limited selection of musicals due to licensing constraints yet emphasizing the collective voice in the selection process.

Both Claar and Shank highlighted the invaluable experiences gained from their involvement in the musical — teamwork, community engagement and the sheer joy of performing before a live audience. 

Claar, in particular, cherished the interaction with the audience, underscoring the integral role of the audience in bringing the magic of theater to life.

“It’s one thing running through the story and being on stage, and that’s lovely in and of itself, but I love seeing the faces and hearing the reactions of people out in the audience,” said Claar. “I spend a lot of time out in the audience as Willy Wonka because, in the first act, he basically acts as the narrator, and when the different children are getting their tickets, I’m right there in the audience with them and seeing their first reactions.”

The Newfield High School production of “Willy Wonka” not only entertained, it also brought together the community, leaving an indelible mark on both the performers and the audience, showcasing the timeless appeal of Roald Dahl’s stories and the transformative power of the arts.

In brief:

Town board work session

The Newfield Town Board will convene for its monthly work session on March 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. Attendance is highly encouraged either in person or on Zoom. The agenda for the meeting can be found on the Town of Newfield website.

Paint & Sip at Redman Studio

The Redman Studio will host Paint & Sip events of a gnome Easter bunny on March 27 at 6 p.m. and on March 30 at 2 p.m. The cost is $35 to attend, and no experience is needed. DM Sue Redman on Facebook to save your space.

Newfield Library seeks members for board of trustees

The Newfield Library is looking for individuals to join the library’s board of trustees. Anyone who is interested or wants to learn more should visit the Newfield Public Library website (click About > Library Board) to see the application.

Easter egg hunt

A free community Easter egg hunt will commence on March 30 at 10 a.m., rain or shine. There will be a bouncy house, free lunch, prizes and an egg hunt for children who are infants  to age 12. The event will take place at the People’s Baptist Church. Visit the Newfield Public Library website under What’s Happening > Upcoming Community Events for more information and to RSVP.