Last Ford City Musical Hopes to Sweeten Audiences’ Appetite

by Jonathan Weaver

The last bunch of Ford City Junior/Senior High thespians take the stage this weekend in what became one of their favorites to perform.

The approximately-35 student cast has endured hectic rehearsal schedules due to snow days, but are prepared to raise the curtain for “Willy Wonka.”

Director Courtney Bavera explained why this show was chosen as the last school musical.

“We wanted something that was going to be well-known, fun, colorful, something that we could do some little special effects here-and-there for, and I thought “Willy Wonka” was a good opportunity to show all those kinds of things – plus there were a lot of different opportunities for kids to have different characters.”

Bavera has also directed during several Armstrong Community Theater performances – which had an impact on her choice for the roles of lead “Charlie Bucket” – freshman Caroline Sellers – and gluttonous German “Augustus Gloop” – played by senior Chad Cloonan.

Caroline’s first musical was “The Enchanted Sleeping Beauty” with Armstrong Community Theater four years ago. The Manorville student has also performed in the past two Ford City Junior/Senior High musicals – gaining confidence along the way while mainly performing in the ensemble, – but still she didn’t expect the lead role until Bavera revealed the final cast list in January.

“When I first auditioned, I auditioned for the part of (reporter) “Phineous Trout” and they had me audition for the part of (competitive gum chewer) “Violet Beauregarde.” First, I thought I was going to get the part of “Violet”, but I got the part of “Charlie” instead,” Caroline said. “A lot of people wanted this part, and when I got it, I was astounded – I was really excited.

“I wasn’t expecting a lead role my third year at all (but) it feels great to know that I got such an amazing part in the very last Ford City musical – I remember that I used to get so nervous just going to rehearsal.”

Caroline even gets to fly in a harness during the second act with co-star Glenn Smathers, who plays “Grandpa Joe,” after the pair sip some Fizzy Lifting Drink during the factory tour.

“Never had to do that before,” Caroline smiled.

Caroline’s older sister, Catie, plays impulsive rich girl “Veruca Salt.” She said she enjoys sharing the stage with Caroline.

“It’s really fun being on-stage with my sister – it brings us closer,” Catie said. “I think I’m more excited for Caroline.”

Cloonan is one of only two seniors in the cast. He shares the stage with Kaitlyn Satterfield (who plays “Violet Beauregarde.”)

Not only did Satterfield inspire Cloonan to audition last year, but both performed with the Armstrong Community Theater and have been dating for years.

“He’s one of the funniest guys I know,” Satterfield said. “I encouraged him to do it a few years ago, and he didn’t want to do it. Now, he loves it and we do shows all the time together.

It’s an honor to be in the last play - I love doing musicals.”

Bavera added that Cloonan has a definite knack for the stage.

Cloonan said that it’s fun being on-stage with Satterfield, and encouraged future students to audition.

Junior Jace Armentrout is trying to “put a new spin” on the titular role of the eccentric candyman “Willy Wonka” this weekend.

But even while speaking funny rhymes, dancing or singing, Armentrout isn’t nervous and had hardly any troubles preparing for this weekend.

“I’ve just been in front of people so much that I don’t really feel any stress or nervousness – this is my fourth musical, and it just kind-of comes naturally to me now,” Armentrout said.

While the cast is full of seasoned veterans, “Willy Wonka” is the first musical for many students – including freshman Kolton Miller (who plays “Charlie Buckets’” best friend “James”).

Miller’s last play was in fourth grade at Lenape Elementary. He got some last-minute pointers from Armentrout.

“I mainly auditioned because my friends wanted me to – but the more I came to practices, the more I got excited to do it,” Miller said. “It became an accidental passion I found, because now I’m going to do it every year until I graduate and maybe even college theater.”

Eighth-grader Angela John and seventh-grader Cereese Blose are also in their first productions, and play two of the eight Oompa-Loompas – who are expected to be as whimsical as they are in the movie, including with orange face paint and white eyebrows.

“I totally enjoy it a lot,” John said. “I did stage crew last year, but this year, I got enough courage – it’s been a really good decision.”

Satterfield predicted this weekend will draw a large audience to the Ford City High auditorium – filled with alumni and past performers – since this is the last at the school before its closure in June.

Bavera said many have already purchased tickets for Friday’s opening night, but reserved seating tickets for $8 remain available each evening this week before Saturday’s 7PM performance or Sunday’s 2:30PM matinee.