Editor’s Note: The author of this article is a St. Joseph Hill Academy student who participates in the Advance/SILive.com High School Journalism Immersion program.The initiative is designed to help young people explore the world of community journalism.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Young students at St. Joseph Hill Academy, Arrochar, took a step into a “world of pure imagination” with their production of “Willy Wonka, Jr.” earlier this month. Under the direction of Spotlight Theatre Company, the cast spent 11 weeks building the fantasy world and working hard to showcase the magic of author Roald Dahl.
Featuring timeless songs such as “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got A Golden Ticket,” the cast of 36 young performers told the story of Willy Wonka, the whimsical owner of a renowned chocolate factory, who invites five Golden Ticket winners to come on a tour of the factory.
“We pride ourselves on offering inclusive after-school programs for every student,” said Eileen Gregor, Early Childhood director and Afterschool Club director of St. Joseph Hill Academy. “Our theater program remains a true gem that younger students eagerly anticipate joining the moment they reach fifth grade.”
From left to right, students Everly Distefano, Amanda Frisz, and Gianna DiMeglio perform in “Willy Wonka, Jr.”(Alexa Viggiano for the Staten Island Advance)
“Willy Wonka, Jr.” marks the 11th Spotlight Theatre production at the school, which features young performers from the fifth through eighth grade.
“Spotlight has given me so many new friendships that I will forever cherish,” said Briella Gaeta, an eighth-grader who played the role of the spoiled Veruca Salt.
Spotlight Theatre Company is a not-for-profit theater company that puts on productions in the community and in schools throughout the year. Having both a repertory and a youth company, many adult and child actors on Staten Island and beyond have Spotlight credits to their name.
“It is so touching to know that everyone in Spotlight supports you,” said sixth-grader Angeline Lahoud.
Eighth-grader Emma Leone, who portrayed the title role of Willy Wonka and has been part of the theatre club since fifth grade, said working on “Willy Wonka Jr.” was “just the best.”
“Some of the best memories I have are made with the best cast and crew ever,” she added.
Student Angelina Manley is seen in the role of Candy Man with members of the ensemble in the background.(Alexa Viggiano for the Staten Island Advance)
Gregor explained that putting on “Willy Wonka Jr.” allowed the students to take part in “building a world” and added that the “dedication these students have shown in capturing the heart and whimsy of this classic story is truly remarkable. Watching these students perform on stage always amazes me.”
Along with the Gregor, the school’s theater program would not be possible without the dedication many, including: Jacques Stewart, director/artistic director; Gavin Matthias, musical director; Mary Lee Marson Aloia, producing director; Kim Fiorello, production manager; Julie Azzarello, Spotlight Theatre Club supervisor/preschool teacher; Principal Lawrence Hansen; Assistant Principal JP Pablo; and Sr. Mary Coffelt, president of St. Joseph Hill Academy.
“Our theater program at St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School aims to provide students with a space to take creative risks,” said Gregor, who praised the the school’s collaboration with the Spotlight Theatre Company.
Eighth-grader Briella Gaeta performs the iconic song “I Want It Now” as Veruca Salt.(Alexa Viggiano for the Staten Island Advance)