Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The New Musical thrilled the many children in the audience at Shea’s Performing Arts Center. Lots of dancing, pyrotechnics, engaging music, and a talented cast brought Roald Dahl’s creation to life. The story of a poor boy obsessed with chocolate who aspires to rise above his poverty generates a compelling power over the audience. Henry Boshart plays the plucky Charlie Bucket convincingly. Noah Weisberg plays Willie Wonka to snarky perfection. Diane really liked the way the production presented The Oompa-Loompas. Clever! This production is geared for a kid audience. I found the First Act dragged a bit as the Golden Ticket winners emerged. The Second Act set in the Chocolate Factory was more exciting. If Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The New Musical shows up in your neighborhood, you might consider checking it out. GRADE: B
Act I
“The Candy Man” – Willy Wonka & Ensemble
“Willy Wonka! Willy Wonka!” – Charlie Bucket & Ensemble
“The Candy Man” (reprise) – Charlie Bucket
“Charlie, You & I” – Grandpa Joe
“A Letter from Charlie Bucket” – Charlie Bucket, Mrs. Bucket, Grandparents
“More of Him to Love” – Mrs. Gloop, Augustus Gloop, Ensemble
“When Veruca Says” – Mr. Salt, Veruca Salt
“The Queen of Pop” – Mr. Beauregarde, Violet Beauregarde, Ensemble
“That Little Man of Mine” – Mrs. Teavee, Mike Teavee
“If Your Father Were Here” – Mrs. Bucket
“I’ve Got A Golden Ticket” / “Grandpa Joe” – Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe, Grandparents, Mrs. Bucket
“It Must Be Believed to Be Seen” – Willy Wonka, Ensemble
Act II
“Strike That! Reverse It!” – Willy Wonka, Ensemble
“Pure Imagination”† / “Grandpa Joe (reprise)” – Willy Wonka, Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe and the Golden Ticket Winners
“The Oompa Loompa Song” – Oompa Loompas
“Auf Wiedersehen Augustus Gloop” – Willy Wonka & The Oompa Loompas
“When Willy Met Oompa” – Willy Wonka & The Oompa-Loompas,
“Veruca’s Nutcracker Sweet” – Veruca & The Oompa-Loompas
“Vidiots” – Willy Wonka, Mike, Mrs. Teavee & The Oompa-Loompas
“The View From Here” – Willy Wonka & Charlie
“The Candy Man (Bows)” – Full Company
Or not. Frankly, this has never been one of Dahl’s books or movies (or now, shows) that interested me, even as a kid. I prefer JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH.
Jeff, for some reason producers seem to prefer CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. I like Gene Wilder’s movie version. Johnny Depp’s version misses the mark. This musical version is fun, but kid-oriented.
Is the music memorable? I find most modern musicals falter in their music.
Patti, “Candy Man” is the biggest hit from CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Of course some people like Steve and Jeff find “Candy Man” obnoxious. “Pure Imagination” was also a popular song years ago.
Not for me. I consider the song The Candyman one of the most annoying songs I have ever heard. Right up there with Tomorrow and Feelings. I prefer the Depp version. It stays closer to the book.
Steve, you’re right about the Depp movie version staying closer to Roald Dahl’s book. But the Wilder version has more whimsy.
Steve is also right about “The Candy Man” – horrible song. It ranks with Copacabana and You Light Up My Life.
Jeff, I can take “Candy Man”…or leave it. The audience (mostly kids) loved it.
As long as it isn’t Sammy Davis, Jr, singing it.
Jeff, true.
We must all be getting old.
I’ll pass on this one. Not a huge fan of this book and an audience of mostly kids is annoying to think about.
Beth, a “kid-friendly” performance of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is designed to reel-in the young generation into plays and musicals. But, like you, I prefer seeing something a little more adult.
kid stuff.
Rick, for some reason our Musical Season ticket package opened with ALADIN and now CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Kid stuff, indeed.
I hope the kids don’t sing. I find children singing to be very annoying.
Steve, some of the kids did sing along. But, I expected that after attending a few of these kid-oriented musicals.
paaaaasssss!
George, I liked Gene Wilder’s version too. Depp was a fine actor when he started out, but no longer. Maybe I don’t like him in negative roles.