Theatre review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory shines with humour and energy
CTORA Theatre’s production is marked by strong on-stage talent and delightful visuals
The cast of CTORA Theatre’s Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. Photo by Canna Zhou
CTORA Theatre presents Charlie & the Chocolate Factory at the Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre to October 27
CTORA THEATRE HAS plucked Roald Dahl’s beloved story Charlie & the Chocolate Factory from the pages and transformed it into a larger-than-life production that proves how pure imagination can make anything possible.
Over the past few seasons, CTORA has emerged on the Vancouver theatre scene with productions infused with clever staging concepts and production values, under the direction of Mark Carter. To that end, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory is right up CTORA’s alley, with a show that combines strong on-stage talent with delightful visuals to entertain and inspire audiences of all ages.
This staging is of the Broadway production, with updates made from the national tour. It features a score by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (the pair behind Hairspray), and retains some of the songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley from the 1971 film version—most notably “Pure Imagination” and the “Oompa Loompa Song”. As per Dahl’s classic tale, we follow the story of impoverished child Charlie Bucket as he dreams of being one of the lucky five golden ticket winners who will get to tour the world-famous Willy Wonka chocolate factory under the guidance of the mysterious Wonka himself (played by a superb Daniel Curalli). At the end of the tour, one person will be selected to win a lifetime supply of candy—but unbeknownst to the golden ticket winners, the journey comes with treacherous hazards.
CTORA’s production wonderfully captures the quirkiness and cheekiness of Dahl’s story. Under the artistic eye of set designer Brian Ball, there are inventive visuals galore, including imaginative use of video that bridges the onstage action with the story’s fantasy aspects (thanks to motion graphic supervisor Timothy Zhao), pastel-coloured set pieces that come with giant lollipops and cotton candy, and creative use of props that make even the most challenging staging elements come to life (kudos to Stephanie Barclay, head of props). Fans of the book and film versions will appreciate how the infamous incidents during the chocolate factory tour are handled, and the magical glass elevator makes it into the show as well. In addition, gorgeous storybook-like drawings of each location are projected along the back scrim throughout, paying homage to the book’s original illustrations.
Just like how Wonka skillfully mixes ingredients to concoct scrumptious candy, Curalli combines all the right performance ingredients—brilliant characterization, singing, and movement—to captivate as Wonka. His portrayal spans fun and comical, dark and mysterious, and gentle and inspirational, such as in his rendition of “Pure Imagination”. He also expertly handles Shaiman and Wittman’s tricky lyrics, which are quick and fast-paced in songs such as “Strike That, Reverse It”.
At the performance that was reviewed, young Grayson Besworth played Charlie (he alternates with Quinlan McDonald, who is Charlie #1). Besworth gives us a Charlie to root for, glowing with a sincere innocence that’s further expressed in his pure, melodic vocals, featuring impressive range, strong in both head voice and belt.
Some standout moments in the show are the musical numbers that introduce us to each of the golden ticket winners. Choreographed by Ken Overbey and performed terrifically by the principals and ensemble members, these four numbers are filled with fantastic humour and energy. We meet the insatiable Augustus (Joshua Severyn), the demanding Veruca (Julianne Biegler), the bubble-gum chewing influencer Violet (Ashley Nardi), and the disturbed Mike (Eric Gibson). Severyn is hilarious with his unapologetic gluttony, Biegler dances up a storm (including en pointe) with attitude, Nardi impressively sings and dances with gum in her mouth, and Gibson’s wild, unhinged behaviour is fun to watch. These four hyper-spoiled brats contrast brilliantly with Besworth’s shy, kind-hearted Charlie.
However, not all the fun is reserved for the kids. Kyrst Hogan shines as Mike’s mom, Ms. Teevee, who at first glance is a picture-perfect housewife, until you learn in “That Little Man of Mine” how deranged things are in the Teevee household. Ryan Nuñez is also hilarious as Violet’s dad, Mr. Beauregarde, constantly holding up his phone to take social media content and revelling in his daughter’s influencer fame. And wait until you see the Oompa Loopmas and the sassy numbers Overbey has choreographed for them.
Under the musical direction of Jeremy Hoffman, an eight-person band captures all the colours in the score, backing strong cast vocals across the board. All of this adds to the overall magical experience of the show, which not only showcases creativity, but above all else, delivers Dahl’s words with heartfelt storytelling.
In the Act One finale, “It Must Be Believed To Be Seen”, Curalli hits the right note of slyness and intrigue, the onstage excitement building as the golden ticket winners prepare to enter Wonka’s factory. As Wonka says, “Strike that, reverse it”—and similarly, CTORA’s production of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory must be seen to be believed, sure to satisfy many a sweet tooth. As Curalli beckons to the audience, “Do come in.” 
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