Hart drama clubs present ‘Willy Wonka’ this weekend.

River Kistler stars in “Willy Wonka” this weekend.

Hart drama clubs present ‘Willy Wonka’ this weekend.

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press.

HART — Members of the Hart middle and high school drama clubs will present the musical, “Willy Wonka,” this weekend in the Hart Middle School Auditorium.

This high-energy, colorful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic novel is filled with all the nostalgia and beloved music of the original 1971 film starring Gene Wilder. Audience members will be transported to Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, where they’ll meet Oompa Loompas, greedy children who fall for Wonka’s tests, and of course Wonka, himself.

“This show is so fun, and I’m jazzed for audiences to see it,” said Hart Public Schools Drama Club Advisor David Moul. “Lots of bright colors, familiar tunes, and a lighthearted storyline are just what we need at this time of year. This show has been especially interesting to work on, because it’s our first ever joint production with both high school and middle school students. Because the script calls for so many characters — like Oompa Loompas, squirrels, chefs, and more — and because of the size and maturity difference needed between some of the child characters and the parents, combining both groups made a lot of sense. 

“It’s been fun to watch our middle schoolers take ownership of their roles and learn from the high schoolers as we’ve gone along,” said Moul. “Being in a big show like this gives them a really amazing growth experience most of them wouldn’t get until they reach high school. Usually, the two clubs function separately from each other, but I’m excited to see the community come out and watch the whole drama program at work. It’s going to be a riot.”

Show times are Friday, March 11, and Saturday, March 12, at 7 p.m. A matinee is Sunday, March 13, at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. They can be purchased ahead at showtix4u.com/events/hartdrama. Remaining tickets can be purchased at the box office before the show. 

Cast:

Ensemble:

Please consider helping to fund local news. Mason County Press and Oceana County Press are available for free thanks to the generous support of our advertisers and individuals. Three ways to help us: Venmo: @MasonCountyPress; Paypal: MasonCountyPress@gmail.com; Mail a check to PO BOX 21, Scottville, MI 49454. 

This story is copyrighted © 2022, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.

As the services of Media Group 31, LLC news services, the information posted within the sites are archivable for public record and historical posterity. For this reason it is the policy and practice of this company to not delete postings. It is the editor’s discretion to update or edit a story when/if new information becomes available. This may be done by editing the posted story or posting a new “follow-up” story. Media Group 31, LLC or any of its agents have the right to make any changes to this policy. Refer to Use Policy for more information.