St. Patrick students present production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on April 4 and 5

By CONRAD MURPHY

St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School is in its final days of preparation for its upcoming performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, set to take the stage on April 4 and 5.

The musical performance has been in development since October of last year and is part of a biannual tradition at the Felstead Avenue school.

The show will feature students from all grade levels, working both on the stage as performers and behind the scenes. From set design to lighting and sound, the students will have a hand in all aspects of the production.

“We do have students in Grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 in the school musical this year, even a lot of the set design, lighting, and sound students who are doing all of that stuff,” said Alessia Colavecchia, dance teacher in the Enriched Arts program.

“Younger students have the older students mentor them and then, you have students here to ensure that we can still run this for years to come.”

For some students, this production holds a particularly special meaning.

“As a senior, this being my fourth and final production of high school, I have taken on a profound connection with the cast alike in a motherly role, of which I am honoured to portray as the mother of Charlie Bucket,” said Drew Perreras, a student acting in the musical.

The stage crew has also played a crucial role in bringing the world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to life.

“Joining the stage crew for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and helping to create the magical world that it takes place in has been so very positive,” said Riley Ciric, a student in the stage crew.

This year’s choice of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was made by play director Mark Sousa and the team, with the play’s strong themes playing well to the students’ strengths.

“We knew that there would be students in our school community who could execute the roles of each of the characters really well,” said Sousa. “Also, we really just liked the theme and the idea and the lessons that come with this play as well.”

The goal of the production, according to Colavecchia, is to “showcase the talent that we have in our enriched arts program,” while promoting the “honesty, humility and kindness” that a character like Charlie demonstrates throughout the play — messages she believes “fit into the school community really well.”

Beyond the stage, the production also serves as an important experience for students from diverse backgrounds, offering them a chance to learn and test new skills. Colavecchia noted that access to expensive lessons has made it harder for some students to pursue their creative passions outside of school.

“When they’re able to be up on that stage and they’re able to be a part of something greater and have that sense of belonging to our community,” said Colavecchia.

The performance is open to all, and the school encourages attendance from students, families and community members alike.

Performances are slated for the evening of Friday, April 4; the afternoon of Saturday, April 5, and the evening of Saturday, April 5.

“Anybody is welcome to come—family members, friends, parents, or people in the community,” said Colavecchia.

For those who are interested in attending the showcase, visit the school’s website to purchase your ticket: https://tcdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/125209/185/False/True

Tickets for adults are $15 each and $10 for children.

• Conrad Murphy is a student journalist contributing to Beach Metro Community News as part of his studies.