The Candy Man

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Some books or films don’t translate easily to the stage. After Roald Dahl’s extravagantly magnificent Broadway production of   MATILDA, the New York production of  CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY was disappointing. Perhaps Roald Dahl’s best-known children’s book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory received a less impressive musical theatre treatment. Of course, the book had already been turned into a beloved film in 1971, that starred Gene Wilder. Then Tim Burton filmed his more bizarre version of the story in 2005, starring Johnny Depp. Finally, in 2023, a prequel to the previous films, that starred Timothee Chalamet, depicted Willy Wonka’s early years. In 2013, Sam Mendes directed a theatrical musical production in London that, despite lukewarm reviews, managed to run for three-and-a-half years in the West End. When the production landed on Broadway four years later some changes had been made to the show. However, there were still problems with the New York production. 

The Marriott’s fanciful and imaginative interpretation of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY for young audiences is like day and night, compared to the original Broadway musical. It’s been trimmed down into a delightfully creative 70-minute production. A few songs from the Broadway score still remain, but are, thankfully, shortened. However, the show still features the most lovely and nostalgic favorites from the film. They include “The Candy Man,” “Pure Imagination,”  “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” and, of course, the “Oompa Loompa Song,” all composed by the incomparable team of Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. In the Marriott production, expert musical direction is provided by Isabella Isherwoodm who’s made the score truly sing.

But in the tradition of the very best Theatre for Young Audiences at the Marriott, Jeff Award-winning director and choreographer Amber Mak has put her bewitching, candy-coated touch on this musical comedy. Amber’s done a remarkable job of staging the show in-the-round and guiding and choreographing her talented cast. The result is a sweet, chocolaty production of Roald Dahl’s beloved novel that’s as delectable as a Wonka Bar. And the gleeful, gob-stopping cheers and applause is proof  positive of how scrumptious this production is for every audience member.

For folks who don’t remember the plot of this story, the musical follows Charlie Bucket, a poor but kindhearted little boy, who loves Wonka chocolate more than anything in the world. Against all odds, Charlie finds the final golden ticket that wins the youngster and his Grandpa Joe a guided tour of the magical Wonka Chocolate Factory. The four other ticket winners are spoiled and selfish children, who are accompanied on the tour by their equally obnoxious parents. Willy Wonka, the eccentric candy maker, challenges and tests his five young ticket-holders throughout the tour. At the end of the day, only the right child will win a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate, plus something even more wonderful! 

As Willy Wonka, Chicago favorite George Keating absolutely owns the Marriott stage. Seeming to be channeling the charm and charisma of Gene Wilder, Mr. Keating infuses the entire production with his seemingly unlimited energy, optimism and enthusiasm. Yet, his Willy Wonka still retains some of the Candy Man’s signature sarcastic wit, aimed primarily at the most rude and selfish children and their clueless parents. Displaying so much panache, George Keating portrays a role he was born to play.

And in the title role of Charlie, talented Chicago-based triple-threat Kai Edgar made his Broadway debut playing this role in the National Tour. The young Chicago actor has been seen on the Marriott stage as James in their production of JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH; as Winthrop in Marriott’s THE MUSIC MAN; as Oliver Twist in their production of OLIVER! and  as Michael in MTW’s production of BILLY ELLIOT. In Amber Mak’s production Kai Edgar’s Charlie is a warm, winning young man with a heart of gold.

Portraying Charlie’s loving mother is sweet, golden-throated Megan Long. Charlie’s favorite grandparent of the four, bed-ridden geriatrics, is talented and likable Rick Hall, as Grandpa Joe. He gathers all his strength to rise from his wheelchair in order to accompany his dear grandson on his tour of Willy Wonka’s wonderful chocolate workshop.

Charlie has some stiff competition for a lifetime of chocolate. Megan Seller portrays the big mouth ballerina, Veruca Salt; Avelyn Lena, is the greedy gum-chewing Queen of Pop, Violet Beauregarde; Elias Totleben, plays the brash Bavarian Beefcake, Augustus Gloop; and Gordon Henry Heisler, portrays the teenage technology addict, Mike Teavee. These young actors are all sensational in their roles of the rude, selfish youngsters, who are just as self-centered as their loud and annoying parents. The overbearing adults include Darian Goulding, sensational as Mr. Salt; Michael Earvin Martin, as Violet’s pushy pappa, Mr. Beauregarde; the always wonderful Veronica Garza, as Mike’s ambitious mother, Mrs. Teavee; and the delightful Elizabeth Telford, as Augustus’ food-focused mamma, Mrs. Gloop. 

Although the Marriott production demands the audience use their imaginations, the show features some cleverly transcendent technical support to depict Wonka’s factory. Milo Bue’s scenic design transforms the setting used for Marriott’s main stage production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS into a myriad of storybook locales. Megan Wines’ lighting design combined with Tony Churchill’s media design (assisted by Averie Leger) really brings the magic sparkle to this arena production. Kudos to the always inventive team of designer Theresa Ham, for her creative and colorful costumes, and Miguel Armstrong for his outlandish wigs, hair and makeup design. Wyn Lee also earns special praise for her perfect, prizewinning props.

This Winter, the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences offers theatergoers of all ages a wondrous world of pure imagination. Delighting in the adventures and antics of Charlie and his fellow competitors for a lifetime supply of chocolate, Willy Wonka takes the audience on a magical mystery tour of confectionery fun. So head over to Lincolnshire and get ready to meet all the kids and The Candy Man!

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented February 13-March 28 by Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 847-634-0200 or by going to www.MarriottTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.