Thanks to my friend Kelly Maglocci for this guest blog post!

Sweet or savory? The world may never know. But one thing is certain- whether you have a sweet tooth or crave salty snacks, everyone is going to love Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The stage greeted you with an unexpected air of mystery as you entered the theater. Usually exploding with color and a sneak peek of the set, this stage shows only the back of Wonka, looking out into the distant sky.

If you are familiar with the story, don’t worry, the play is full of obscure character development and modern twists on the beloved classic. Charlie, a selfless young boy from an impoverished family, day dreams of one day entering the Wonka Chocolate Factory. When he finds the final golden ticket, his dream comes true!

The upbeat melodies of the musical numbers make it impossible to listen and not tap your feet or clap along to the beat. Family favorites like “The Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination” were sung alongside the news hits “When Veruca Says” and “Queen of Pop.”

Heavy themes like losing a parent and the disparaging gap between the rich and poor are offset by perfectly timed comedic relief. Between the Oompa Loopmas and the crazy consequences the characters are forced to face (like being ripped apart by squirrels or shrunk to the size of a Ken doll), you are sure to be laughing out loud.

And make sure you stick around until the very end for a fun surprise (hint: I’m talking streamers and the best costume change of the show!!).

After attending Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, prepare to be inspired to make something out of nothing.