In 1964, author Roald Dahl published the children’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which received its own movie adaption in 2005. From Nov. 15 to 17, Arcadia Stage performed the live adaptation of the novel in the Performing Arts Center. Here is what the performers and the director had to say.

Director Whitney Labarge expressed, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a revered classic that has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences for decades through Roald Dahl’s novel and popular film adaptations. One of the challenges of bringing Charlie to life for the stage is the question of how to present a familiar story in a way that sheds new light on a classic and makes it feel relevant in our modern world. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, to me, isn’t about small people with orange faces, or pudgy boys falling into rivers of chocolate. Charlie is ultimately a story of hope.”

Junior cast member Elizabeth Yeh stated, “I played an Oompa Loompa in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Even though the Oompa Loompas aren’t as memorable as, perhaps, Charlie or Willy Wonka, just being a part of the show was such a surreal experience. The directors, stagecraft students, and cast have all spent so many extra hours at school to perfect this show, and I could not be more proud of Arcadia Stage.”

Some cast members played multiple characters. As junior cast member Hailey Cheng described, “I was an Oompa Loompa in the play [and] a worker in Willy Wonka’s factory [in certain scenes]. It feels amazing to be a part of the production! Before I made it into Advanced Drama, I used to go to the plays, and I remember just watching and being in awe—I knew that one day I had to be a part of it myself.” However, the spectacular production was not easy to put on. Hailey stated, “Preparing for the play was hard—rehearsals that end at 10:00 p.m. everyday are hard, especially when you need to balance academics.”

The play was well-received by the audiences; Hailey said, “I felt that the play taught an important message for everyone—to be grateful for the simple things in life and [always] dream big!” Although Charlie and his family barely have enough to eat, their family continues to thrive through their laughter and love for each other. As Roald Dahl once said, “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”

Photo courtesy of ARCADIAWEEKLY.COM