Review: CFRT’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ brings fun and laughter to the stage

The Cape Fear Regional Theatre launched its opening play for the new year. Charlie & the Chocolate Factory: The New Musical debuted Saturday night to a sold-out audience.

I confess I may be the only person from Generation X who has never seen the classic movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder, or read the bestselling book by Roald Dahl. However, I’d argue that never having seen the 1971 movie makes me a perfect candidate for writing this review, as I am not influenced by previous renditions. I am familiar with Dahl, a bestselling writer known for his macabre way of telling children’s stories with unexpected plot twists. So, I sat back, relaxed, and let CFRT do the storytelling. After all, their slogan is, “Great Stories Told Here.”

The story

The story of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory: The New Musical revolves around a poverty-stricken young boy named Charlie Bucket, the son of a single mother struggling to make ends meet. Charlie and his mother also care for his ailing live-in grandparents. High upon a hill overlooking the impoverished town is a factory known worldwide for its chocolate confections. Though the factory still produces chocolate, it remains locked, and no one has seen its owner, Willy Wonka, for years, spurring rumors among the townsfolk.

The local paper announces that Wonka has placed five golden tickets inside his chocolate bars. The lucky finders of these tickets will be granted a tour of the factory, guided by none other than Wonka himself. This announcement sparks a worldwide chocolate-buying frenzy known as “Wonka Mania.”

The children who find the first four tickets are: gluttonous Augustus Gloop (portrayed by Oliver Benander), spoiled Veruca Salt (played by Callie Mackenzie Tisdale), compulsive gum-chewer Violet Beauregarde (played by Lauren Anderson) and video game addict Mike Teavee (played by Joseph Coleman). After finding a dollar while sweeping up at the local candy shop, Charlie purchases the last Wonka bar in town and uncovers the final golden ticket.

In an unexpected twist, it was Wonka who had left the dollar for Charlie to find. Having disguised himself and gone undercover, Wonka opened a candy shop in town to observe and be closer to the citizens. It is in this shop that Wonka first meets Charlie and encourages him to buy a chocolate bar.

The actors

CFRT’s Education Director Marc de la Concha directed this Charlie & The Chocolate Factory production. I spotted Concha on the back row, taking in his work. Joshua Morgan, who you may remember as Uncle Fester from CFRT’s production of The Addams Family, portrays Willy Wonka. Morgan did a fantastic job playing the quirky and colorfully dressed chocolatier. With a mismatched outfit that included a red hat, green pants and a purple jacket, Wonka looked like the walking, talking embodiment of the Christmas season.

I especially enjoyed Morgan’s facial expressions, which added depth to the character. His performance conveyed that Wonka is a complex figure — reserved yet quick-witted. Beneath the flashy clothes and chocolate obsession, I sensed a dark yet innovative genius.

The cast included two different youth ensembles, named “Oompa” and “Loompa.” This production featured the full adult cast, with the Oompa children’s cast opening the show Saturday night.

Cameron Lewis played Charlie Bucket and did an outstanding job. Dressed like Oliver Twist, this experienced and talented young actor made his CFRT debut and performed like a seasoned pro. Steve McCoy, who plays Grandpa Joe, also made his CFRT debut. Having perfected the role over the years at other theaters, McCoy captured the essence of Charlie’s spirited grandpa, who accompanies him on his tour of the Chocolate Factory.

Grandpa Joe’s far-fetched and delusional tales often had the audience laughing.

Each of the children who received a golden ticket had their own musical numbers, showcasing their self-indulgent personalities. Every performance was outstanding. The choreography and songs were excellent and had the audience roaring with laughter. 

In particular, Tisdale (Veruca Salt) and Anderson (Violet Beauregarde) delivered incredible song-and-dance performances. Both actresses were phenomenal, and Fayetteville should keep an eye on their promising futures. Anderson, a 12-year-old student taking classes at FTCC, and Tisdale, a 7th grader at Fayetteville Academy, already have numerous performances on their resumes, and it shows. Don’t miss the chance to see them live!

A whimsical stage set — Wonka’s candy fairytale world

CFRT never fails to amaze me with its stage sets. Jenna Snyder, the scenic and props designer, and Andrew Garvis, the lighting designer, brought Wonka’s factory to life. Together, they brilliantly transformed the stage from an impoverished town to Wonka’s chocolate factory — complete with a flowing chocolate river, dancing squirrels and Oompa Loompas.

The set design was simple yet innovative, with strategic lighting casting the illusion of Wonka’s magical world. At times, the audience was asked to imagine what wasn’t physically present on stage, but that approach worked seamlessly. As Wonka tells his guests, “It must be believed to be seen.”

Final thoughts

It was a magical opening night for CFRT. The audience was particularly lively and eager to have fun. They howled with laughter and were even a bit rambunctious at times, fully enjoying themselves. As Wonka wisely says, “A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men.”

I thoroughly enjoyed the play and would happily see it again. I highly recommend grabbing your golden ticket to see Charlie & the Chocolate Factory before they’re gone!

CFRT’s Charlie & The Chocolate Factory was sold out for its opening weekend, but there are still plenty of opportunities to see this hilariously sweet play. Performances run through Feb. 23, with tickets ranging from $19 to $37. Special promotion nights include Military and Teacher Appreciation Nights. For more information, visit the CFRT website or call the box office at (910) 323-4233. All performances are held at the new location at 1707 Owen Drive.

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