Visitation Eighth Graders Go Wonka ‘Willy Wonka: The Musical’ Set for One-Night Only Performance Visitation Principal Arlene Figaro (on left) with this year’s crop of eighth graders. Faculty director Karen Peters stands with Tim McDonald (center) and Music Director Brian Worsdale (on right) during a recent rehearsal for ‘Willie Wonka The Musical.’ Eagle photo by Tom Kane Date published: 4/17/2008 By Tom Kane Faculty director Karen Peters and music director Brian Worsdale have a hit on their hands. The Visitation eighth graders have a tradition to entertain the entire school with a play. This year’s bunch decided on “Willy Wonka: The Musical,” and I caught up with them and Tim McDonald, a New York-based playwright who has adapted the show for the stage, at a recent rehearsal at Visitation. “We are very pleased to have Mr. McDonald here today to work with our cast,” said Worsdale, an accomplished musician who has been on staff at Visitation since 2003. McDonald worked with the cast on Tuesday, giving pointers to each member, and the girls were really thrilled. “Believe me when I tell you, your blouse won’t move if you’re not moving,” he told a fidgety Oompa Loompa character. McDonald says he had long been interested in a musical version of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Ultimately, he and Leslie Bricusse, one of the original writers for the old film version, produced two different takes of their “Willy Wonka” - a Broadway Junior version for young performers and, at the behest of the Kennedy Center, a second version with adult actors for young audiences. “One grew out of the other,” McDonald said. This production uses all 22 of Visitation’s eighth graders. Starring Deanna Cipolla as Charlie and Catherine Splendore as Wonka, this production will be performed for one night only, at Our Lady of Angels, on May 9. - Tom Kane