Sanjana Priyonti, Junior Editor
Sewanee’s chemistry demonstration show triumphantly returned after a six-year hiatus. On a cold, snowy day, the Willy Wonka-themed demo show filled Blackman Auditorium with excitement, laughter, and wonders of science, re-igniting a cherished tradition that has long been a favorite among students and local families alike.
Dr. Bethel Seballos, the club’s faculty advisor, played an integral role in organizing the event. She said she was inspired by other demonstrations done by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Washington and the legacy of former Lab Coordinator Jennifer Bachman’s original Sewanee magic show. Seballos has worked with students since 2012, to make chemistry more engaging. “Chemistry needs to be experienced with all the senses,” she said. “It’s much more fun to see, hear and smell the experiment than just watch a video.”
After the 2019 Superhero demonstration show, the tradition was put on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions. That left a six-year gap before the grand return. Bringing the show back was no small feat; this year’s return was particularly meaningful, Seballos said, given the challenges of reviving the show after such a long break. “We had to prove to ourselves that we could get back into it.”
Recruiting students was crucial. With the help of Professor Evan Joslin who encouraged the chemistry majors to participate, the club built an immersive experience by combining chemistry with storytelling and theatrical performances that wowed the audience.
Casting junior chemistry major, Felix Campbell (C ‘26), as Willy Wonka infused the show with an irresistible theatrical charm, making the show educational and wildly entertaining. He paid homage to the original movie when he “enters stage right limping and groaning. He stops, wobbles, and then falls into a forward somersault,” like Gene Wilder’s Wonka did in the 1971 film. Campbell cracked jokes between transitions and interacted with the audience with the same mischievous humor as the famous chocolate maker.
Led by club president Sarah Livingston (C’25), students brainstormed themes, designed experiments, and fine-tuned their performances. They experimented with various chemical reactions, noted the safety protocols, and rehearsed their theatrical roles to ensure a seamless blend of science and storytelling. Costumes were crafted, props were assembled, rooms were decorated, and every experiment was perfected to guarantee the maximum “wow” factor.
During rehearsals, when some experiments didn’t work, it was Willy Wonka who veered past the failure with his compelling storyline. The dedication and enthusiasm of the students turned the show into an electrifying experience that captivated the 85 children and parents in the audience.
One parent remarked in a letter to Seballos, “THIS show – this was really amazing! The combo of movie clips and storytelling really worked. Willy Wonka really committed to the role, and it made the experience joyful and immersive.”
Social media exploded with praise. One Facebook post raved, “The Chemistry Department showed out with the most EPIC science demonstration EVER! It was science, theatre and ice cream!”
The golden toothpaste experiment, a crowd favorite, demonstrated the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen gas and water, creating a vibrant, foamy eruption. Meanwhile, the glowing luminol reaction showcased the fascinating chemistry of chemiluminescence, captivating the audience with its eerie blue light. But, it was the Edible Bubbles that got the children excited as they leaned into the aisles for a treat of bubbles blasted off bubble guns.
And the grand finale? Ice cream made with liquid nitrogen – because what better way to end a show than with a sweet, scientific treat?
Seballos envisions the tradition growing even stronger. “By its nature, a show is a collective effort. Getting students to work together to create something bigger than they could have done alone gives them a sense of belonging.”
With its exhilarating comeback, the Sewanee Chemistry Club has proven that science is not something to be merely studied: it’s an adventure to be experienced, shared and celebrated. As the laughter and gasps of wonder echoed through the auditorium, it became clear that the magic of chemistry is back, and it’s here to stay.