Get your golden ticket for the most confectious show in town with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as the “world of pure imagination” is sure to delight audiences in the theatre’s temporary space on Owen Drive.
Based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl, the story follows little Charlie as one of the five luckiest children in the world who get to tour the magical candy factory owned by chocolatier and candy creator Willy Wonka.
With chocolate waterfalls, Oompa-Loompas and songs you love to sing, this production is everything you love from the book and movies according to Joshua Morgan, who plays the character Willy Wonka.
Morgan, who audience members might remember from The Addams Family production last season, said the “magic still holds” from the screen to the stage.
“Seeing the movie for the first time changed my world of understanding as it has the ability to inspire; it’s a place with no rules,” Morgan said. “It was pretty exciting to a kid and to an artist, the show is fairly different from the movies, but the same lawlessness applies in terms of the creativity and Wonka’s game of it all.”
Director Marc de la Concha said he is very fortunate to be working with such a talented cast.
“We are working to make this show magical,” de la Concha said. “We have a really good group of people assembled and we have been able to spend a lot of time on music and choreography.”
And regardless if you’ve seen the movies or read the book, this will be a refreshing experience according to de la Concha, who adds there are new songs and new scenes that happen in the show.
And unlike other stage productions where child roles are played by younger adults, CFRT uses two sets of children (an “Oompa” cast alternating with a “Loompa” cast) for the five primary children’s roles: Charlie Bucket, Veruca Salt, Mike Teavee, Augustus Gloop and Violet Beauregarde.
Steve McCoy, who plays Grandpa Joe, a role he has perfected from performing it on a national tour of the show for three years, said the children all play the roles very differently so you have to see it twice.
“They sure keep us on our toes,” McCoy said with a laugh.
When asked how he felt to be reprising his role, McCoy said he is excited to be in the show that at its heart, in the midst of the fantasy and comedy, is about being honorable and doing what is right.
“I love this show and I love what it says about kindness,” McCoy said. “At the core of all this spectacle you see, that’s what it’s all about. Mr. Wonka through some trickery is showing what it means to be a good person.”
McCoy said while the way Wonka brings about some of the consequences of not being honorable is a little crazy, “it’s a lesson, and the earlier we learn in life that lesson, the better we will be.”
Local actress and new mom Jennifer Newman who plays Mrs. Bucket praised CFRT for creating opportunities that might not exist in other places where young adults are cast in the child roles.
“CFRT does a fantastic job with outreach programs and classes for younger actors including summer and day camps, studios, lessons and other educational components,” Newman said. “These kids take it seriously just like the adults do. Watching some of these children grow just from Matilda to now is really amazing and special. This is the next generation.”
CFRT Marketing Director Ashley Nicholl Owen agreed that this family-friendly musical is not only fantastic for their talented sets of child actors, but also a great introduction for children to experience live theatre.
“It’s a way yummier treat than Shakespeare upon entry to theatre,” Owen said. “We really strive to make these shows fun because it truly shapes the next generation of theatre goers.”
Owen said Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was also chosen as part of the season because they felt it could be successfully done in an unconventional venue.
“We have since learned how incredible the space is,” Owen said of the temporary location at GoodHomes Bordeaux, where the theatre is being housed over the next two years as their former building is renovated with new education studios, expansion for scene and costume shops and a rooftop event space.
Performances for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory run from Jan. 30 through Feb. 23, with 7 p.m. performances Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. performances on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 1707 Owen Drive in Fayetteville.
Ticket prices range from $19 to $37. There are also a few special events throughout the run of the show, including a PJ Party on Feb. 6 with a complimentary popcorn bar and craft room from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m, and on Feb. 12 from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m, you can step into Wonka’s Invention Room to design a candy necklace. Military Appreciation Night is Feb. 5 and Teacher Appreciation Night is Feb. 7 with 25% off ticket prices.
A sensory-friendly performance featuring ASL interpretation will take place Feb. 16.
For more information, visit the CFRT website or call the box office at 910-323-4233. If you would like to purchase tickets in person at the theater box office, it is located at their new offsite office space at 310 Green St. from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. During performances, the box office will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, moving to the 1707 Owen Drive location starting at 5:30 p.m.
Chocolate bars and candy will also be sold at concessions before the show and during intermission to grab something sweet along with popcorn and drinks.
CityView Media is a seasonal sponsor of the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. As part of that relationship, we agree to publish reviews of all main-stage productions on our website. The content of that coverage, however, is independent and within the discretion of the CityView editorial team.
