Video: IAHS Indian Players Present ‘Willy Wonka’ This Weekend

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FULTON, MISS. (WCBI) –  A well known classic movie is being brought to life on the stage this weekend in Fulton.  It’s part of an annual production that helps benefit the drama department at Itawamba Agricultural High School and WCBI’s Allie Martin gives us a sneak peek.

They have been preparing for this production since October and now the IAHS Indian Players, along with students from schools throughout the county, are going through one final dress rehearsal for “Willy Wonka.”

The stage play is based on the movie “Willy Wonka and the Choclate Factory” released in 1971.

“In my opinion it’s the best one,” said Theater Director Victoria Blake.

She says there were some challenges bringing the well known movie to the stage.

“The set was really difficult for Willy Wonka but we have had a lot of people involved building the set, we’ve been able to make “Fizzy Lifting” machines, gum machines, and we’ve got it all,” Blake said.

More than 100 people are involved in the production, there are lots of Oompa Loompas, along  with many who work behind the scenes, making sure the production is flawless.

Cole Holland plays Charlie Buckett, the young boy whose life changes after finding the coveted golden ticket.

“He’s a kid, nothing ever goes his way but he still thinks positive and I think, being so impoverished, I would believe it would be so hard to just think positive,” Holland said.

Cast and crew have been putting in a lot of hours and say  this is one production you don’t want to miss.

“I love coming up with ideas, for the props, and moving stuff and watching everything come together,” said Stage Director Lauren Edwards.

“There’s a lot of songs that everybody is going to recognize, the Candyman song, you hear it and you know it, it’s familiar music that people love,” said Assistant Director Danielle Adams.

“I believe this play has some very good morals and themes inside of it and it’s very funny,” said Adam Whitten, who plays “Willy Wonka. ”

“There’s going to be a lot of candy and if you like sweet things your mouth is going to be watering if you come to this production,” said Madison Everhart, who plays “Violet.”

Willy Wonka runs Friday through Sunday at the Old Fulton Grammar School.  Performances are 7 pm Friday, 2 and 7 Saturday and 2 pm Sunday.  For more information call 662 825-2401.