Shields to present ‘Willy Wonka Jr.’ March 29-30 at Cape High

Audience members will enter a world of pure imagination as students and teachers from Shields Elementary School bring the delicious adventures of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory to life on the stage at Cape Henlopen High School.

In “Willy Wonka Jr.,”a captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale, students will perform favorites from the 1971 film in addition to a host of fun new songs, with performances at 7 p.m., Friday, March 29, and 6 p.m., Saturday, March 30.

More than 60 Shields students in third, fourth and fifth grades have been rehearsing once a week since the beginning of November. Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr. is a scrumdiddlyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth!

“Students involved in a musical build relationships and social skills,” said Juanita Clendaniel, Shields Elementary music teacher. “Everyone involved becomes family.”

Clendaniel is the show’s musical and production director, with assistance from teacher Hadley Fulton. Denise Costello, Shields art teacher, worked with students on props and set pieces. Stephanie Whitcomb, a parent volunteer who has led the school’s musicals for the past four years, directed the production.

“It is always fun to see a production come together, and especially fun to know that this is the first opportunity to perform in a musical for many students,” said Whitcomb. “Our goal is to give a taste of live theater to Shields students and create a positive memory. I think we have achieved this goal.”

Clear Space Theatre Company loaned set pieces, props and costumes for this production.

Tickets are $10 per person. Visit the Shields Elementary School office to purchase tickets in advance, or pay at the door at Cape Henlopen High School.