By VIRGINIA BARE
For the Stafford County Sun
Published: April 11, 2008

“Thinking positive” brings rewards to characters in this play. It’s an upbeat performance that leaves the audience smiling. Eleven adults added their ideas to the action in the play. Children got to visit the chocolate factory. Nine factory workers in the Oompa-Loompa ensemble performed with energy and enthusiasm so there were no dull moments.

The white-clothed Oompa-Loompas danced with lights in their hands as they moved among the tables in the audience. Their singing and dancing brought the audience to life at the beginning of the show. These workers were happy doing their jobs.

The stage was filled with colorful costumes and constant action. Children in the audience could sing along with “The Candy Man.” They caught on to the Oompa Loompa melody, too. Willy Wonka (Matt Curtis) took the children on a factory tour, actively searching for the golden tickets hidden in special candy bars.

Willy Wonka, owner of the Chocolate Factory, was growing older and looking for someone to replace him. He had hidden five tickets among a million candy bars. He wanted to find the right child to take his place. That one would be chosen from among the five who found one of the prize tickets. Willy Wonka waited to see what the five lucky children would do when they won a prize.

One by one, the special tickets were found in five candy bars. When the five winners were announced, they each reacted differently. One girl chewed gum noisily and bothered others. She ended up turning blue and continued to chew loudly. One boy watched TV too much. Another shrank. After each disaster, the Oompa-Loompas made it very clear what was done wrong and how the child should have behaved better.

A boy named Charlie Bucket appreciated what he had and could stay positive even when he didn’t get what he wanted. He was poor but kept a positive outlook. When he found a special ticket, he made a mistake but told the truth to Willy Wonka. The moral of the story was to tell the truth and Charlie did that so Willy Wonka chose him for a lifetime of chocolate. 

Krystina Burton, 13, said she thought the play was suitable for any age group.

“It has morals in it and just about anyone can enjoy watching it,” she said. “If they had seen the movie first, I’m sure they’d like the play better.”

Many songs were in this play and they were easy to understand. The Oompa-Loompa ensemble sang well. The actors were alert and kept the action going.

There are a few more weeks, so be sure to see “Willly Wonka Junior.”

“Schoolhouse Rock Live!” — a children’s show — will run from May 8 until June 28. Call (540) 370 4300 for more information.