From the Director of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"
- ACT News
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
Imagination.
We all remember it from childhood. But somewhere, along the way, it can get lost, replaced by the daily grind, phones and social media.
When programming the 2026 Season, I knew I wanted to give the audience a chance to use their imagination. Last year, I was fortunate enough to see the River City Men’s Chorus perform “Pure Imagination” and was reminded how transfixing it is. No other song heralds the imagination more (with the possible exception of “The Rainbow Connection”, another excellent song from childhood). I knew right then that “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” should be included in our season.
Revisiting Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” as an adult is fascinating. As a child, it was all about the Oompa Loompas and the chocolate river. But what’s coming into focus for me now is how much it’s about three people in different points in life. Charlie, full of hope, is on the brink of discovering who he wants to be. Wonka is middle-aged, achieved it all and is ready for a shift. And then there’s Grandpa Joe. He’s old but still wants adventure.
And what is the conclusion that Dahl makes? Keep imagining. No matter what age.
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