I got a golden ticket! I got a golden ticket! And the prize was everything that I hoped it would be. I felt like a kid in a candy store as I walked through the doors of the newly renovated SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center to see Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The classic story of Charlie Bucket and his journey through Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory was engaging, eye-catching, and full of pure imagination.

Speaking of imagination, can we talk about the sets and special effects for a minute? I am always on the lookout to see how iconic scenes are played out on the stage, especially when they seem impossible to do. With several amazing designers and pure imagination, this show had some of the best set design I’ve seen. From the Chocolate Room where everything is edible – and where Agustus Gloop (Nic Mains) meets his fate – to the expanding jumpsuit of Violet Beauregarde (Zakiya Baptiste) – the Queen of Pop (and pop she did) – were just a few of my favorite moments of this show. Let’s not forget about the oompa-loompas who were worthy of the cheers they received as they first appeared on the stage and the way the designers and cast were able to show climbing, rising, and blowing in the wind with ease and reality – all of which contributed to the magic of this show.

Magic is a good word to describe the chemistry between Willy Wonka (Cody Garcia) and Charlie Bucket (Coleman Simmons), especially when they are soaring through the sky in the glass elevator singing “The View from Here”, and where Charlie learns he will inherit Wonka’s chocolate factory. It was a simple, yet powerful way to show the message that childhood wishes do come true, even when they come by way of the Candyman, who makes the world taste good.

Treat your loved ones to a sweet outing! Performances of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory run through this Sunday, Jan. 2 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. Click here to learn more.

Blog contributed by Rachael Durling, Destination Partnerships and Community Engagement Manager at Visit Sacramento.