“You can even eat the dishes!” Imagine a world where making something out of nothing is not only possible, but imperative to supporting the creation of your future. That is the world into which you will walk when you experience the musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Western Kentucky University this April. Students began their journey to and through the factory under the direction of Dr. David Young with the guiding principle that making something out of nothing is such an undervalued skill but makes ALL the difference when becoming a pioneer in your field, or even appreciating those around us. At a time when AI is running rampant and we find global uncertainty around every corner, finding new ways to engage with your community, invent new products or systems, and even discover joy becomes something that “must be believed to be seen.”
The themes of this show, while presented in an animated and colorful way, are ever-present in the world we live in today. The Bucket family has been passed over for everything, written off by society, but it is Charlie’s enthusiasm that draws the attention of a local Candy Man. He watches as Charlie invents, creates, imagines, and believes in a future that is bigger than the life he is living now. It is that whimsy, not money, fame, or greed that makes Charlie the perfect candidate to receive his wildest dreams!
“It is truly a gift to be able to step into the shoes of the Candy Man himself,” says Carter Luke, senior. “Willy Wonka, to me, has been a much-needed reminder that although we can often feel powerless in a world that is constantly changing and moving on without us, there is such immense strength and power in the ability to create something out of nothing. He has taught me that in times of pain and helplessness, sometimes the bravest thing you can do is dream.”
Sometimes that is the most any of us can do. The skills this mindset fosters will stay with these students as they go out into the world to pursue their careers. The center of this rehearsal process has been that when you reach a dead end, instead of getting frustrated, take a second to dream.
Junior Haley Baldwin, who serves as assistant choreographer as well as being in the cast as Jeremy the Squirrel, says of the development of choreography, “[it] starts with nothing but a simple idea. Whether that means a song, a formation, a shape, or a simple gesture.” When we imagine designs, choreography, or line delivery a new world opens up to us, often much bigger and more vibrant than the last. What an incredible skillset for these students and young adults to be learning. Baldwin goes on, “Nothing is created for you or given to you when making art, you must begin with an empty space and occupy it with your individualistic art.” Creative solutions allow us to tell the same story in a million different ways.
With an emphasis on resilience and hope, the story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will surely tap into your imagination and leave you encouraged and energized! The Charlie and the Chocolate Factory book is by David Greig, Music by Marc Shaiman, and Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman. It is based on the novel by Roald Dahl. Songs from the Motion Picture are by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. With Music Direction by Dr. Tiffany Bostic-Brown, Choreography by Jennifer Schroeder, Costume Design by Shura Pollatsek, Set Design by Marlaina Seay, and Lighting Design by Josh Mullady this show is sure to appeal to children and adults alike. Come celebrate life and the beauty of imagination with us! Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be playing at Van Meter Auditorium on WKU’s campus April 10th and 11th at 7:30pm and April 12th at 2pm. Visit wku.showare.com for tickets.
-by Jenny Schroeder, Choreographer
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