By Jeanni Ritchie
Over 60 Our Lady of Prompt Succor students took the stage at Lagniappe Theatre last month to present a fantastic production of Willy Wonka Jr.
Directed by Lagniappe Theatre’s Ross and Karen Schexnayder, the popular show featured many of the Gene Wilder classic songs like Pure Imagination and The Candy Man.
My favorite song—and one I used to perform often in my childhood living room — was I Want It Now. Kaylee Shelton (Veruca Salt) counted it as one of her favorites too.
Starring in her final OLPS production, the 6th grader loved the role of the spoiled daddy’s girl who is carried off by squirrels.
“It was a wonderful experience to play such a big part,” Kaylee shared. Kaylee has grown up in theater, playing roles at both Lagniappe and OLPS. One of her favorite roles was Omar in Aladdin. Her dream role is Eliza Hamilton in Hamilton — every actor has a dream role!
Kaylee also loved sharing scenes with her best friend Lucy DeKeyzer, who played Violet Beauregarde. Their two characters found Golden Tickets and were invited to Wonka’s chocolate factory along with Mike Teavee (Collin Noel), Augustus Gloop (John Matthew Blocker), and Charlie Bucket (Leland McCullough).
It was great to see a whole cast of children enjoying the music that shaped my childhood. The Oompa Loompas were adorable, many making their stage debut.
One of Kaylee’s favorite songs was not even her own, but her friend Lucy’s. As Violet sang Chew It her costume blew up like a giant balloon, turning her into a giant blueberry.
Performing with her friends was a highlight for Kaylee and she shared her gratitude for the directors as well. “I want to thank Mr. Ross and Mrs. Karen for doing so much for our production.”
Despite an impending ice storm that shortened their run, the cast of Willy Wonka Jr. put on a show that made the audience feel as if they were the ones who’d gotten a golden ticket.
Next up for Kaylee and many of her fellow thespians? Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical at Lagniappe Theatre. The show runs March 20-22, 2026 with auditions being held soon. Follow Lagniappe Theatre on FB for more information.
As for next year’s OLPS production, I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us!
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
PHOTO CREDIT: PHIL BROCATO
