“Who can take tomorrow? Dip it in a dream. Separate the sorrow and collect up all the cream?” The candy man, Willy Wonka, of course! Young People’s Theatre is putting their own spin on the Roald Dahl classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to dazzle audience members of all ages. Directed by the inimitable Thom Allison, this Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is geared towards a new generation of dreamers.
Though entirely recognizable as the Roald Dahl classic, this production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has not only been modified to bring it into the twenty first century, but it has also been set right here in Toronto! By making the CN Tower a feature of several of the backgrounds, it provides a recognizable landmark for the littlest of theatre goers to catch on to. However it also gives a sense that this magical story could be happening in our own backyard – a surefire way to grip a young and enthusiastic audience. David Grieg’s book makes effective choices to bring these characters into a new age: Violet Beauregarde is not just a chewing gum sensation, but also a queen of social media, Mike Teavee is a hacker, and Veruca Salt is obsessed with ballet. Not only do these changes make the characters more understandable to a modern young audience, but they also provide room for play for the cast and creative team. Veruca’s ballet with the squirrels had me in stitches, Mike was even more detestable than usual, and you can’t knock Violets ambition (or the prowess of her mom-ager).
However, along with these new changes there’s a part of me that wishes we got to hear more of the classic songs from the film. Opening with “The Candy Man” is perfect – it was in immediate nostalgia trigger. Yet the original songs are few and far between. The Oompa Loompa songs in this version lack the ear worm quality of the originals, and I kind of missed Veruca’s cranky ballad about getting her golden goose (or in this case nut-sorting squirrel). I was thankful that “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” made the cut, as well as “Pure Imagination”; I truly think the show wouldn’t be the same without them.
I do also acknowledge that I am not the target audience for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The younglings in the theatre won’t know that most of the songs aren’t the same; they’ve likely never seen the original film and they don’t have the same connection to it as I do. This is truly meant to be for the entire family, so there’s just enough nostalgia for the parents to feel like they’re watching the same story, as well as new songs for a new generation of theatre goers. That being said, seeing a school performance and being surrounded by little ones was an exceptional way to see this play. Firstly, I had forgotten how kids will laugh at pretty much anything an adult does, so I definitely caused a laughing fit during Veruca’s ballet number. However, what’s most inspiring is how wholly invested they are in the production: the cheers and claps when Charlie found the golden ticket, their pleas for Mike to not go into the TV or for Charlie to not disobey Mr. Wonka were earnest and heartfelt. It reminded me what it was like to watch this story for the first time, and that’s a beautiful gift.
Starring Breton Lalama as Charlie Bucket and Michael Therriault as Willy Wonka, this cast is vibrant, fun, and bring the colourful world of the chocolate factory to life. Lalama gives Charlie an innocence and idealism which makes us adore them. Therriault gives Wonka that perfect level of scary along with jubilant that keeps you perfectly on edge. The rest of the performers are pulling double if not triple duty during this production, and even I had a hard time keeping track of how many roles each person was playing! Larry Mannell is delightful as Grandpa Joe; his energy is infectious. Caitlyn MacInnis’ Veruca is perfectly impetuous. While David Lopez is a more gangly Augustus Gloop than we’re used to, I certainly appreciated it. Ruth Acheampong’s Violet is feisty and fierce, just like her mother played by Tiffany Deriveau. Nick Boegel’s Mike Teavee is delectably despicable; the total opposite of his mother, played by Deann Degruijter. I think I loved Jacob MacInnis’ portrayal of Mrs. Gloop the most out of their roles; those high notes are everything. Zorana Sadiq is so charming as Mrs. Bucket, as well as the adorable TV personality Cherry Sundae. David Webb is an intimidating Mr. Salt; you certainly wouldn’t want to mess with him or his little girl.
Laura Warren’s projection design, along with Brandon Kleiman’s set design, actually made me gasp a few times. The production relies heavily on the projection to take us through the various rooms and locales of the story in such a quick span of time. Yet it does all that and more as we literally go into orbit with Charlie on his journey. Ming Wong can do no wrong with her costume design, giving Wonka a classic look while updating the Oompa Loompas to be little polka-dotted pests running around the factory. Violet’s outfit is a technical marvel all its own, and the dapper little ballet squirrels are definitely another highlight.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a sweet treat for the whole family this holiday season. Full of mouth-watering delights and the story you know and love, this is sure to make little theatre goers cheer for Charlie.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory runs at Young People’s Theatre’s Ada Slaight Stage until December 30. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.youngpeoplestheatre.org/shows-tickets/charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory
Cover Photo: Michael Therriault and Breton Lalama. Photo by Dahlia Katz
Thank you to my Patrons:
N. Bushnik, B. Kinnon, D. Moyes
And to my supporters who’ve bought me a coffee:
Angelica and Paul, Anonymous, Adrianna, and Caitlin
Would you like to become a Patron? Check out my Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox
Or, you can buy me a coffee at: buymeacoffee.com/aviewfromthebox
A View from the Box 