Willy Wonka Onstage: How To Pace The Magic

My mom and I saw Charlie and The Chocolate Factory this weekend. It was the American Broadway stage adaptation of the book, with appropriate special effects. Concessions ran out of popcorn, so I got my mom chips instead.

The show overall is fun. We get a lot of miming and choreography, and wonderful singing from the entire cast. I felt that at times, however, that the script was uneven.

Mind that the entire cast sang well, and showed off the special effects. It’s that the writing itself has a few weak points. Namely, the characterization of the “Candy Man” felt off.

Who is Willy Wonka?

Willy Wonka is considered one of the greatest chocolatiers. He makes candy for the joy of it and the challenge. Some defy logic, such as chocolate ice-cream that never melts in the sun and permanent chewing gum that never loses its flavor or texture. After rival spies stole his recipes, Wonka closed the factory for a few years. He never let anyone into the factory again, until he decides to host a special contest. Five random children can visit his factory, for one day. In the book, he even honors the agreement that they all get a…