Wonka mania has swept Center Stage Theatre!
Roald Dahl's 1964 confectionary tale, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, is a story about a candy manufacturer named Willy Wonka who opens up his magical factory to five lucky children. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, spawned two films and two Broadway shows.
When researching the story, it was fun to read through all the “conspiracy” theories about what the story means and what Roald Dahl was trying to teach us. Probably the most well-known is that of the theme of the 7 Deadly Sins. Augustus is Gluttony, Veruca is greed, Violet is pride, and Mike is sloth. Earlier copies of the book did have several additional characters that could make up the rest. However, ultimately, given that there doesn’t appear to be any interviews where he suggests links between this and the Deadly Sins or other representations of evil, it seems likely that he felt they were simply fun bad characters, who all had interesting flaws that would make for a good story. And this is also better depicted in the fact that early drawings and drafts of the characters have Charlie as simply the kid everyone likes best! But I’ll be honest. I went into this show believing Roald Dahl was just saying that Chocolate is the answer to everything- And who am I to argue?
Thank you to my cast and crew- our very own Wonkerers. This was no easy show to put together, and the journey was amazing. Thank you to the parents for your understanding and patience. I enjoyed the wonder, awe and experience in working with your children. There were never too many questions. Thank you to the Willy Wonka staff and CST Board for helping us reach our vision.
I want to personally thank Doug and Mitchell who never wavered in pushing through this show. Thanks to the Brubaker family-I know how much work you did. I want to thank Steve Brubaker, for walking with me in this journey. I know that when I asked if you would be the technical director, you didn't think you would end up as my partner in design, build and ultimately my perfect Willy Wonka. Even though you claimed you couldn’t see into my head- with everything you did- it sure seemed that way! And finally, to my amazing family. You all take the grunt and pick up the slack when I need it the most.
This show has been “crazy fun”! We really wanted to bring you into a world that so many of us know and love. The story is timeless. And although the adaption has some new changes and modern themes, I hope we captured the magic that Roald Dahl wanted us to experience. A journey into our imagination.
So, sit back and relax-
“There are little surprises around every corner- but nothing dangerous.” -Roald Dahl
Chandra Katrinic-Hoss
Director
