By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
PLYMOUTH — The Plymouth High School auditorium will be transformed into the wondrous chocolate factory of Willy Wonka this weekend as the Plymouth High School Drama Department presents the classic “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Friday Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 8 at 2 p.m.
Due to the large number of actors, the show is split in two casts with the Red Cast performing the show on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon and the White Cast performing on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.
Both casts undertake the show that was made famous on film with Gene Wilder in the role of Willy Wonka.
“We found ourselves in the unique position of having a lot of strong senior male actors,” said Director Charlotte Tyree. “We decided to go out and find a show with a lot of strong parts for guys and that’s how we came up with it.”
“We’ve added a couple of our own bits too,” said Hailey Hennessy, playing Violet in the White Cast. “We’ve added some enhancements of our own.”

Some of those enhancements include special effects and a unique set.
“I really enjoy using the big pit area we have here on our stage,” said Tyree. “That’s one of the things we’ve done differently this time is bring the show right down front to get the kids engaged immediately.”
The PHS children’s show allows the cast members the experience of performing for children, a skill that is unique in its own way.
“I remember looking up to the people in the show when I was a kid and thinking they were just so good,” said Cam Robertson, who plays Willy Wonka in the Red Cast. “It’s crazy for me to think that maybe there are some kids out there this time who will do the same for us – especially when we see all the mistakes we make sometimes.”
“I really enjoy being able to be more of a character in the kids shows,” said Jon Tyree, Wonka in the White Cast. “Other shows you have to play more of a real life person. In the kids show you can play it big.”
“You have to keep it exciting 100 percent of the time or some of the kids might get bored,” said Zach Wendt, Charlie in the Red Cast.
The children’s show also has some benefits for the actors.
“You know somebody’s cell phone isn’t going to go off,” said Kate Shaffer, who plays Veruca in the Red Cast.
“No matter what you do the kids are going to enjoy it,” said Allison Finley, Violet in the Red Cast.
“I love the little kids because they love everything you do,” said Shara Hudson, Veruca in the White Cast.
It also leaves a lasting impression.
“If you’ve got a really good character, some of the kids fall in line and start imitating you,” said Nick Houin, Charlie in the White Cast. “Sometimes for weeks.”
Performances are Friday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m. and also at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m.
All performances are in the Plymouth High School Auditorium. Tickets are $3.for anyone 12 and under and $4 for everyone else. The doors open 30 minutes before each show and tickets may be purchased at the door.
See cast lists and stage crew list on Page A7.