Willy Wonka brought to Medicine Hat’s Esplanade stage by Eagle Butte High School

“Having all my friends here, it’s so easy to train with them. I like spending time with everyone, and I just love theater, arts, and music, really,” Kelly said.

“This is where I am the best me, really.”

Zephran Kelly, a Grade 11 student at Eagle Butte High School plays the role of reporter Phineas Trout in Willie Wonka. Ross Lavigne/CHAT News

Kelly said he initially wanted to be Grandpa Joe, but knew when he cast for his current role it was the right fit.

“”When I said the line, I did the voice I do now. This is Phineas Trout, reporting live from Frankfurt, Germany. They just immediately loved it,” Kelly said.

“They instantly got me the role.”

It’s Ruby Snell her first play.

Ruby Snell, a Grade 12 student at Eagle Buttle High School plays the role of of the Candy Man in Willy Wonka. Ross Lavigne/CHAT News

Snell is however an experienced singer and is excited to portray the role of the Candyman.

“”I just think it’s fun. I think the song is fun,” Snell said.

“It’s recognizable. It’s something people know and it’s just like a fun role to play and someone people can connect to.”

Snell is looking forward to performing for a crowd with the rest of the cast.

“It’s super cool. I’m super excited,” Snell said.

“Everyone’s like freaking out, you know, it’s new. It’s awesome,” she added.

“We’ve all worked so hard. So it’s gonna be good.”

Students from the the fine arts program at Seven Persons School are also involved.

The play includes a live pit band and number of musical interludes.

This will be Eagle Butte High School teacher Ann Morrison final theatre production with the school. Ross Lavigne/CHAT News

Co-director and drama and music teacher at Eagle Butte High School Ann Morrison, said they would love to fill the Esplanade for the the classic story of Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

“It is about people who are rewarded for being kind and honest, and people who get to kind of have life pay them back if they are misbehaving slightly,” Morrison said.

“We get to see the demise of some children, which is slightly fun because they come back in the end. But it is a family friendly show.”

Morrison said with them not having their own theatre at Eagle Butte, they appreciate being able to be at the Esplanade.

“Which is such a great facility, and getting to perform it, it is just time to have fun and enjoy the rewards of putting in the hard work,” Morrison said.

“I’m really looking forward to it.”

This is the sixth production Morrison has been a part of with Eagle Butte High School.

“I’ve been involved with all of them from the beginning, and this is probably my last one because I think I’m moving on after,” Morrison said.

“It’s super exciting to give these kids this opportunity and see them on stage.”

For Kelly, there is a lot of joy in being able to perform.

“”I like being a character. I like playing a role, being someone who I’m not,” Kelly said.

“It’s fun, you know?”

The production of Willie Wonka runs from Thursday through Saturday with four shows total, with one show an evening at 6:30 p.m., and a matinee Saturday at 1 p.m.

If you are looking to catch a golden tickets, they are available at tixx.ca.

by Jesse Gill

Willy Wonka brought to Medicine Hat’s Esplanade stage by Eagle Butte High School

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