Despite some early setbacks, first-time director, Jack Flanagan, and the multitude of students and staff involved in the Suffield Middle School production of Willy Wonka Jr. embodied the optimistic philosophy of the lead protagonist of the play, Charlie Bucket. “Whenever my luck is on the blink, I think positive! Whenever I’m feeling down and out and don’t know what to do, I never give way to fear and doubt, ‘Cos thinking positive sees me through!”
The three-show performance, which ran from February 27 to March 1, 2025, showed the constant perseverance and dedication of all involved to finish the play in such a successful fashion.
Willie Wonka and guests explore the wonderful Wonka Chocolate factory in the SMS production of Willie Wonka, Jr..
“One of the most challenging parts of this show was determining how we were going to make certain aspects from the script work on a middle school stage,” said Flanagan. “Willy Wonka is a show that involves lots of special effects, such as a shrinking room, a character being turned into a blueberry, and another character shrinking to the point of being only six inches tall. There was a lot of brainstorming that took place to try to figure out how these things would translate on to our stage.”
In addition to the many special effects that Flanagan and his crew had to navigate for the show, the production also lost its musical director after the first week of rehearsals, new body microphones had to be purchased right before the show opened to replace some malfunctioning equipment, and Flanagan was leading a student cast and crew of approximately 60 students for the first time. A challenge that Flanagan recalls was not one he easily overcame by himself.
“It was a huge team effort,” said Flanagan, “everybody pitched in; the other adults involved in the production all had to step up more than normal to make the show a success. I am grateful for all of their support.”
Willie Wonka and guests take ride on the elaborate Wonka Boat.
That support came in many different forms. Teachers and other staff, both from within the middle school and from around the district, volunteered to support the middle school production. Laura Tinnirella, a world language teacher from Suffield High School, jumped in to help students learn their music. Rachel Rubino, the middle school band director, supported the 10-member student crew that ran all lights and sound for the production. Eric Clarke, the middle school art teacher, and 25 students in his “Drama Sets and Props” course created the huge backdrop, a six-foot Wonka candy cart, 34 very large lollipops, and the “Wonka Boat”; all of which provided visual elements that transformed the middle school stage to establish the elaborate setting for the show.
“The students in the class learned how to design and build stage set elements which really brought the iconic Wonka Chocolate Factory to life,” said Carol Zaczynski, an English teacher at the middle school, who also served as the Costume Director for the production.
Flanagan, who only a little more than a decade ago graced the middle school stage as a member of the student cast in productions like Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., The Sound of Music, and Disney’s The Lion King Jr., credits this production’s success to the talent and enthusiasm of the students on the stage.
“The amazing aspect of the work was how well the student actors assumed the personalities of their characters,” said Flanagan. “A week before the production was going to open, I wasn’t sure it was all going to come together, but those kids really brought it home; they were the stars of the show.”
Following the show run, the cast members received praise and congratulations for their exceptional work on this multi-month production. The involved middle school staff held the annual cast gathering — where the students were able to see a recording of one of the performances, enjoy some snacks donated by parents and staff, and receive layers of accolades from the Flanagan and other staff involved in the production. The final notes provided students both a sense of accomplishment and excitement to participate again in the production next year.
“The show came together really well and it was fun to see it develop over the days of our rehearsals,” said Mason Goings, one of the student-led lights and sound crew. “I think I definitely want to do it again because it was a great experience, and it was fun to see everyone enjoy the final results of all our work.”