The story of Charlie Bucket venturing to meet the great willy Wonka is a story many of us are familiar with. When we have a story as universally known as this one the challenge we face is finding new ways to present the material. And to take that journey we have to look at what it is that makes this story so interesting to audiences even after all this time.
Several children make their way through the factory, but only one does it in a way that feels genuine. And I'd submit that the truth and heart at the center of young Charlie Bucket is what makes this such a timeless classic. The Bucket family has a saying which you'll hear many times throughout the show, "Think Positive". While the credo is a saying for the Buckets, the positive spirit is fully embodied in Charlie. Through adversity and dark circumstances young Charlie preserves and manages to stay positive.
While this is a simple lesson, it's not always the easiest to live by. But I think if there's one timely message to take away from the show you're about to watch all these talented young folks perform it's that even in the seemingly darkest of times we could all stand to think a little more positively!
