‘The Candyman Can,’ at High Meadow School in Stone Ridge

High Meadow School’s eighth-grade students will perform Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.,” a musical adaptation of the famous young adult novel. This production tells a timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir. This show is a golden ticket to adventure. The cast and crew have been working since October to create a spectacle that will delight the entire family. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at High Meadow School, 3643 Main St., Stone Ridge. “Our productions are designed to ensure each student has a role that feels authentic, even as they are challenged to try new things and take new risks,” said Rachel Van Carpels, Upper School lead teacher and drama coach at High Meadow. “If students are not drawn to perform, we also invite them to help create the costumes and scenery.” Head of school Dr. Susan Paynter emphasized, “Participation in the performing arts is vital to our mission to foster creative expression and individual voice while building an inclusive community in which all of the strengths of the students are celebrated.” “Willy Wonka Jr.” features Accord residents Quinn Victor (Charlie) and Emily Andrews (Mrs. Bucket); Hurley resident Gabe Needham (Mike TV); Kerhonkson residents Grey Lowell (Grandpa Joe) and Georgia Amenoff (Violet). Performers from Rosendale include Paulotta DeChiara-Saffer (Mrs. Bucket) and Maitreya Motel (Veruca); and from Stone Ridge, Ian Rakov (Phineas Trout) and Siddhartha Lama (Mr.Bucket). Other students featured are Jaxi Paynter, Jake Baron, Orion Helffrich and Jeremiah Perez. The title role of Willy Wonka is played by Sadie Spring from New Paltz. Tickets, by general admission seating, are available at the door; $5 for those age 12 and older; kids under 12 are free. Proceeds go to the drama program at High Meadow School, a progressive and independent school serving students from preschool through eighth grade. For more information, call 845-687-5151 or visit highmeadowschool.org.