Review: ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ delights young and old

Review: ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ delights young and old | Daily Tribune

Currently playing at the Theatre at Solaire is a scrumptious treat for the entire family. Through GMG Productions, Manila becomes the stage for the U.S. tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I caught the 9 July gala, and today I could still see the vivid production design in my mind. You cannot miss this.

There is a reason Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has endured for generations. Roald Dahl’s beloved tale, equal parts fairy tale and cautionary fable, continues to captivate audiences with its whimsical charm, colorful characters and timeless message about kindness and humility. The musical adaptation currently playing at Solaire embraces that spirit, with a production that is visually enchanting and emotionally sincere.

The musical adaptation features a book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman.

While the musical draws from Dahl’s original novel, this staging feels more reminiscent of the classic 1971 film starring Gene Wilder than the later Johnny Depp adaptation. Even for audiences who already know every twist of the story, the production skillfully builds anticipation toward Charlie Bucket’s (Oliver T. Wong) life-changing discovery of the coveted Golden Ticket.

From the moment the curtain rises, the show immediately pulls the audience into its fantastical universe. The jaw-dropping scenic design is compact and immersive. Twinkling stars illuminate the stage, there's the humble Bucket home, complete with the four grandparents squeezed together in one bed, the town drenched in sunset, and, of course, the chocolate factory. Every corner of the stage is an eye-candy.

Clever LED technology, projection mapping and theatrical illusion transform the stage and beyond into a playground of imagination, and proves that the stunning display can be achieved without overwhelming the storytelling.

The visual effects alone are worth the price of admission. Video mapping extends onto the theater’s side walls, bubbles drift over the audience and bursts of confetti deepens the sense of immersion. Yet the production does not depend solely on technical wizardry. Every visual flourish serves the story rather than distracting from it.

The performances are consistently strong across the board. Wong essays Charlie with genuine innocence and determination. Meanwhile, Michael Dalke as Wonka strikes the right balance between eccentricity and mystery.

The supporting cast is equally committed. The obnoxious children, from the spoiled Veruca Salt to the gum-obsessed Violet Beauregarde and gadget-addicted Mike Teavee, fully embrace their exaggerated personalities. Violet’s sequence, in particular, is one of the evening’s liveliest musical highlights.

One slight distraction comes from Grandpa Joe, whose youthful physicality makes him somewhat less convincing as the frail old man who has supposedly spent years confined to bed. Still, his performance remains engaging enough.

As with many musicals, the score will ultimately depend on personal taste. Regardless, every number is performed with heart. Among the vocal standouts is Karylle as Mrs. Bucket, with her rich, heartfelt singing.

Fast-paced, funny and refreshingly straightforward in its storytelling, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory never loses sight of its audience. Children encountering Dahl’s classic for the first time will undoubtedly be swept away by its colorful fantasy, while adults will appreciate the craftsmanship behind its theatrical magic. It is a joyous, family-friendly, eye-popping production that proves the sweetest rewards still come from imagination, generosity and wonder.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory runs at The Theatre at Solaire until 26 July. Performances are scheduled Tuesday to Friday at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are available through TicketWorld.