By J.R. Jamison—
MUNCIE, IN — Every generation needs stories that remind us kindness still matters.
That is the heart behind Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the production opening Muncie Civic Theatre’s 2026-2027 season, Creative Wonder Awaits, on Friday, Aug. 7. While audiences can expect dazzling sets and all the imaginative magic of Roald Dahl’s beloved classic, this production invites theatergoers to discover something even sweeter beneath the chocolate.
At its center is Charlie Bucket, a young boy whose imagination and compassion ultimately prove more valuable than wealth or fame. In a world where cynicism often overshadows hope, the show’s director, Brittany Covert, believes Charlie’s story arrives at exactly the right moment.
“Kindness rules the day,” Covert said. “But in this story, it’s kindness plus creativity.”
Unlike the other children in the show who dream of endless chocolate in their own self-absorbed worlds, Charlie dreams of something far greater.
“The other children can’t even see the wonder when they’re in Wonka’s factory,” Covert said. “He has an exploding bonbon, and they don’t necessarily think that’s really cool. But Charlie is just amazed at every single cog and crank and light up lollipop. And that is Charlie’s deepest desire: to be creative and to create.”
For Ball State senior Clay Coblentz, who portrays the mysterious chocolatier Willy Wonka, that desire becomes the emotional heartbeat of the musical.
“I think Wonka sees a little bit of himself in Charlie, and I think just seeing that childlike innocence helps him rediscover something he’s lost, and that’s a belief in people.”
That trajectory of the heart also gives the musical a message that resonates well beyond the stage.
“Charlie doesn’t care about fame or popularity,” Covert said. “He’s just able to be in the moment. That’s something I wish I could instill in all children, and, honestly, every adult. Be willing to try things and fail. You’re supposed to have fun trying something new.”
For Coblentz, that same spirit of imagination and trying is what audiences need today.
“I think the biggest thing I’ve always gotten from the show is that it’s really good to have whimsy,” he said. “It helps you find new things in the old.”
For Covert, the production itself reflects the philosophy behind Muncie Civic Theatre’s new season, Creative Wonder Awaits.
“It takes an army of people to put on shows like this and to keep our storytelling fresh,” she said. “When you bring together actors, artists, craftspeople, musicians, and dancers from all corners of our community, it almost feels limitless.”
As Charlie discovers, the greatest reward isn’t a lifetime supply of chocolate. It’s choosing kindness, embracing creativity, and never losing your sense of wonder.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opens August 7th on the Mainstage at Muncie Civic Theatre and runs through August 23rd. Tickets are on sale now at the theater box office at (765) 288-PLAY or go to www.munciecivic.org. This show is made possible through support by 3Rivers Federal Credit Union; Baskin Robbins; Dennis, Wenger & Abrell Attorneys-at-Law; and Pridemark Construction.
About Muncie Civic Theatre
Founded in 1931, the mission of Muncie Civic Theatre is to enrich the whole community through theatre performance, education, and outreach. Located in the historic Boyce Block in the heart of Downtown Muncie, Indiana, Muncie Civic Theatre offers two stages (Mainstage and the Casazza Family Studio Theatre) that bring to life 18 productions per year alongside thriving developmental programs for youth. More at www.munciecivic.org.
