Note: This is the second in a three-part series featuring the production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Part one was a show preview, and part three will feature Q&As with more of the lead characters. Performances of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory  will be held on Friday, March 4th at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 5th at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 6th at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at the following link: https://www.showtix4u.com/events/wonka  The Saturday matinee tickets are all sold at a discount and tickets will also be available at the door before each performance. [VIEW PART 2 OF Q&A SERIES]

Mark VanHorn

Part in Musical: Willy Wonka / Grandpa Joe

Current Grade: 12th / senior

Been in musicals since: 7th grade

Previous Leads/Musicals: Lucas Beineke (Addams Family), Big Bad Wolf and Papa Ogre (Shrek), Neleus and Bank Chairman (Mary Poppins), Rodrigo (Little Women), Seagull (Little Mermaid)

Favorite song in this musical: Think Positive

What interested you in this role:  The intense personality and zaniness of Willy Wonka was very appealing, I loved his songs and the style he sings in, and my favorite color is purple!

Iconic prop or favorite part of costume:  My Purple Coat is definitely the best part of my costume.

Hardest Part about your role: There are a TON of lines, and most of them are not spoken how normal people speak, which makes it very hard to remember the little changes and nuances.

Has your character taught you anything that will stick with you past the show:  That you are never too old to have fun and embrace your inner child.

What do you think the audience will like about this show:  Its nonstop energy and fun, every minute there is something new happening.  Plus, there is a heart-warming story attached to the fun!

What is unique about this musical:  It is very bright, colorful, and fantastical!  There is not a dull moment or any scenes that are boring.

What other activities are you involved in: Marching Band, Jazz Band, Dance, and LEO’s Club

Future Plans:  To attend Grove City College for Electrical Engineering (and join their marching band)

Hunter Rock

Part in Musical: Willy Wonka/ Grandpa Joe

Current Grade: 11

Been in musicals/plays since: 2021

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: Fester (Addams Family), Captain Hook (Peter Pan), Gaston (Beauty & The Beast), numerous other roles at Lincoln High School and with Jeter Backyard Theater in Gibsonia

Favorite Song in this musical: There’s No Knowing

What interested you in this role: Willy Wonka is such a dynamic character, with his intricate descriptions and vocabulary, and Grandpa Joe has the thrilling quality of flying in the show and interacting with the Bucket family and Charlie as they venture through the factory. Having the opportunity to take on both of these characters has been a delightfully challenging experience, playing two very different characters and learning a boat load of material.

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: I love Willy Wonka’s contract. It should invoke some laughs during the show. For Grandpa Joe, I was happy to bring my late grandfather’s cane to the stage. While he would have never acted on the stage, it feels as though I am carrying a piece of him on stage with me through the factory.

What’s the hardest part about your role: I think that Wonka’s lines were the hardest thing to pick up on. There are many similarities from line to line and deciphering where each adjective perfectly fits into place proved a challenge. In the case of Grandpa Joe, flying was very new, and difficult to perfect. This is in part due to the fact that we were given only two weeks to fly before opening night.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: The strict perfection of musical theater is something that will stick with me through life. Because everything we do needs to be 100% exact, it is held to a higher standard than just about any other high school activity. Mistakes are unacceptable and participating in rigorous musicals has taught me to hold myself to a higher standard in other parts of life.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: I hope the audience loves everything about the musical! Live theater is such a magical experience, and especially with this show, so much work has gone into set designs, special effects, costumes, etc. I hope people appreciate the gift of a live orchestra, as well as all the hard work of the cast and crew to make this possible.

What is unique about this musical: In my personal experience, I have never shared leading roles before, so that is a unique concept for me. Overall, I think the nostalgia tied to this show makes it truly special. So many people watched Gene Wilder come alive in the film, whether they are 5 or 65, and channeling back to those childhood memories through the gateway of this show should be something that does not happen too often for our audience.

What other activities are you involved in: Aside from musical, I participate in the Marching Blue Band, Cross-Country, Track-and-Field, Boy Scouts, the Ellwood City LEO Club, Student Council, and numerous other clubs in school.

Future plans: I am looking to achieve the honor of attending the United States Air Force Academy with a major in Chemistry. It is a painstaking application process, but I am underway, and crossing my fingers to get an appointment. After serving, I hope to get a teaching degree in either a science or music field.

Aryanna Nielsen

Part in Musical: Charlie Bucket

Current Grade: 8th Grade

Been in musicals/plays since: 2013

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: I was in the ensemble of “The Addams Family”, and in the Childrens’ chorus for “Shrek the Musical”, “Mary Poppins”, “Little Women”, and “The Little Mermaid.” Along with this, I have been in church plays since the age of 5, and Lutheryn performances since the age of 8.

Favorite Song in this musical: I’ve Got a Golden Ticket

What interested you in this role: I really enjoy being on stage, and Charlie’s brightness and optimism piqued my interest.

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: The Golden Ticket.

What’s the hardest part about your role: My character is very energetic and bouncy, and not using up all of my energy right away while performing is hard.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: My character has taught me to always think positive, even when the situation is not the best.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: The Fizzy Lifting Scene

What is unique about this musical: Unlike a large portion of musicals, you’re never expecting what happens next in the scene that’s bring performed.

What other activities are you involved in: I am involved in my Church choir and concert choir, along with student council.

Future plans: I would love to pursue a career involving musical theater, whether it be performing, teaching, etc.

Samantha Davis 

Part in Musical: Augustus Gloop

Current Grade:  8th grade

Been in musicals/plays since: 2016

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in:  I have been in little mermaid, Mary Poppins, Shrek, Addams Family, and I also do musicals at the New Castle playhouse

Favorite Song in this musical:  I’ve got a golden ticket is definitely my favorite

What interested you in this role:  I was most interested in the fact that Augustus was the first finder the Golden ticket and he is German

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: the golden ticket is my favorite prop

What’s the hardest part about your role:  the hardest part about my role is definitely doing the German accent

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show:  my character has thought me that “if you’re not greedy you will go far.”

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: I think the audience will like the fact that everyone takes their character to a different level

What is unique about this musical: I think it is unique because we have our double asked willy wonka / grandpa Joe and it makes it fun

What other activities are you involved in: I play softball and sing in choir

Future plans: I hope to attend at Lincoln Park preform       ing arts school in Midland next school year and be in future musicals and hopefully one day be on Broadway

Peyton Confer

Part in Musical: Veruca Salt

Current Grade: 8

Been in musicals/plays since: 2015

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: Young Fiona, Shrek; Centipede, James & the Giant Peach; Dori, School House Rock, Show Choir for 6 years

Favorite Song in this musical: There’s no Knowing

What interested you in this role: It’s fun to yell and be sassy!

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: The giant Nut Sorter!

What’s the hardest part about your role: Learning how to “skate” in Heeleys!

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: Life is better when you’re not spoiled!

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: Everything-especially the sets

What is unique about this musical: This year, most of the leads are under-classmen

What other activities are you involved in: Volleyball, band and show choir

Future plans: I’d like to be a veterinarian one day

How you would like your name to appear: Leslie London

Part in Musical: Violet Beauregarde

Current Grade: 8th

Been in musicals/plays since: 2019 Music Man at PCS, 2021 Adams Family at LHS

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in: Only in ensemble till this year

Favorite Song in this musical: “In This Room Here”

What interested you in this role: Violet was rude but very entertaining.

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume: I am almost always chewing a piece of gum and my favorite costume piece would have to be my light blue skirt.

What’s the hardest part about your role: Probably remembering to chew the gum the whole time.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show: Don’t be so rude to people who try to help you.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical: It is very fun and colorful with all the set pieces it looks like something right out of a kid’s imagination.

What is unique about this musical: it’s clever wording and surprising characters.

What other activities are you involved in: I am an active member of Mountville Presbyterian and enjoy attending youth group at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Future plans: To be in more musicals, plays and concert choir while I attend Lincoln HS.