This year, dozens of students from all over South Eastern School District came together to put on the high school Drama Club’s performance of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” For some cast and crew members, this is the first of many productions, but for Kennard-Dale’s seniors, it’s a bittersweet end to their high school musical careers.

Seniors Alyssa Bradshaw, Regan Bosley, Sydney Bowers, Paul Christopher, Gabriel Dickens, Kevin Finegan, Rachael Holle, Madelyn Koenigsberg, Jack McShane, Joshua Price, Aiden Silva, Kyleigh Snyder, and Luke Thompson will help bring the show to life, whether it be on-stage or backstage.

With the show coming up, some of the musical’s seniors have reflected on the journey.

Josh Price plays the role of Willy Wonka in the upcoming KD musical, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Not only is this Price’s favorite production he’s been in, but it’s also his all-time favorite role in his four years of theater experience. Although he plans to major in early childhood education, he will also continue his acting career by minoring in theater. With this being his last year to be in a KD production, he will miss being with his friends during rehearsals the most of all. According to Price, “…one of my favorite parts of the show is the people.” His experiences in theater have taught him to always put his best foot forward when facing anything. He is confident in the cast and crew as they prepare to hit the stage.

With nine years of prior theater experience, Rachael Holle takes on the role of Mrs. Teavee for her senior year musical. Her favorite production she has been in was last year’s Mamma Mia, where she played the role of Ali. A highlight of her KD drama career was being with her friends during rehearsal. Holle says, “The community is one of my favorite parts of the musical.” She plans to major in criminal justice, but continue her theater journey on the side. 

Regan Bosley is taking on the role of Mrs. Gloop in the nearing KD musical. Her theater journey started in shows as a child, and has continued into her 4 years of experience at Kennard-Dale. Her all time favorite role was Rosie in Mamma Mia during her junior year. Although she will not be majoring in theater, she plans to continue to audition for shows at her university. She will miss her close peers that surround her at rehearsal the most. “Without the people I surround myself with at these rehearsals and shows, the activity would just be work,” says Bosley. She especially appreciates the community that volunteers on Saturdays to work on construction and the people who show up to support KD’s productions. Theater has helped her to develop a sense of discipline and learn how to pour herself into her passions. She has trust in the progress of her castmates and herself so far in the upcoming musical.

Sydnee Bowers will perform as Veruca Salt in the forthcoming KD musical. She has been doing theater for an astounding 10 years. Her favorite role she’s taken on was Sophie in last year’s Mamma Mia. She will miss spending time with her close friends during rehearsal. Although she plans to major in nursing, theater will forever be a passion of hers that she is considering doing on the side. Bowers attributes a lot to her peers: “I don’t know where I would be without some of my fellow cast members; they are some of the kindest people and never fail to put a smile on my face and dance it off with me.” Being in KD musicals has helped her to become the best stage-ready version of herself. She has greatly improved her singing, acting, and dancing through theater. She is confident in her own progress, and she’s ready to wow the crowd!