Dixon Public Schools and Woodlawn Arts Academy got a chance to show off their partnership skills the weekend of January 11, 2019, during three performances of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” at Dixon High School James A. Wiltz Auditorium, Dixon, IL. Willy Wonka (right), played by Ian G., hands over his top hat and cane to Charlie Bucket, played by Owen W., who will take over Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, after successfully making it through the factory tour.
The production cast 35 fourth-through-eighth graders from Reagan Middle School and Madison Elementary. The production crew included Director Faith Morrison; Music Director Mardi Huffstutler; Assistant Director Sean Ports; Stage Director Ashley Aurand. Terry Fuger provided technical direction. A number of Dixon High School students did lights and sound, and served as Stage Manager and crew.
“Everyone did a fantastic job!” said Morrison. “We could not be more proud of each one of the students and how well they did. They worked so hard to memorize lines, blocking, and choreography, and their dedication shined through on the stage.”
The Academy’s spring musical theatre program, open to all sixth-through-eighth graders, is “Mary Poppins Jr.” Rehearsals begin Monday, January 28. Registration is available by calling 815-626-4278 or visiting the main office at Woodlawn Arts Academy. For more information, visit WoodlawnArtsAcademy.com.
Woodlawn Arts Academy Executive Director Christy Zepezauer is grateful that the Academy was able to partner with Dixon Public Schools for a fourth year. “At Woodlawn we have many partnerships and outreach programs. I am always amazed and so proud to watch the impact, the growth and the opportunities given,” she said. “We are truly blessed with such dedicated staff and a community that embraces our offerings.”
Woodlawn Arts Academy Academy is an agency of United Way of Whiteside and Lee Counties, and programs are partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.