Sixth graders stage ‘Willy Wonka’ despite lack of art and music classes

NAHANT – Students had lines to memorize, songs and choreography to learn, and sets to construct. But this year’s sixth grade musical, “Willy Wonka,” faced the additional challenge of having no art and music classes during which students could practice.”It was all after school,” said Cheri Spencer, the music director for the show. “They were fabulous and committed. We had to work extra; it was harder because we didn’t have class to work on it.”View more photos from the musical.The sixth grade class annually presents a musical and uses revenue from ticket sales and concessions to fund the next year’s production. The students traditionally dedicate time in music classes to learn the songs and work on the production. Students spend art classes designing and helping decorate sets. Other rehearsals take place after school. But art and music programs were cut after voters rejected a $260,000 override for the school in June.But, “the show must go on,” as parent Niamh Callahan said.Sixth-grade teacher Dianne Dunion and Spencer – who was the music teacher last year, but this year teaches gym – moved all rehearsals after school. Former Art teacher Susan Beebe came to help with set decoration. And parents pitched in a little extra help this year.”Most of the parents really came through to do a lot of scenery,” said Principal Diane Mulcahy. “There were a lot of people on hand if we needed help.”The other students at the school appreciated the effort. They laughed as the curtain opened on the Bucket grandparents aligned in the family bed. The younger students particularly loved when gluttonous Augustus Gloop, played by Isaiah Bascon, fell into the chocolate river and the bubbles in the Fizzy Lifting room.”We’re singing this big song and they’re all laughing at the bubbles,” said Olivia Barton, who played Charlie.But the sixth graders were happy with the performance. A group of about 10 actors gathered after the rehearsal and all raised their hands when asked how many were excited for the Friday night performance for the community. Only three hands went up when asked how many were nervous.”We know that no one will laugh at us because it is a school play,” said Maddie Curtis, who played the mother of the bratty Veruca Salt. “But it came together really well.”Dunion agreed.”The kids were proud, it was really nice to see,” said Dunion after the rehearsal. “They worked hard ? They channeled all the positive energy.”She also praised the fifth and sixth-grade teachers for being flexible with rehearsals, and said the school was lucky that Spencer was able to use her musical skills to help.”It was totally was a team effort,” Dunion said.Cyrus Moulton can be reached at [email protected].