Playbill of The Week: Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

21/53

During my most recent trip to New York I had a few things I needed to get done. On my list were different foods to eat, friends to reconnect with, and most importantly shows to see. I was able to see a total of 6 shows, with the buzz of the Tonys approaching it was a marvelous time for theatre. With 13 new shows this season, some unfortunately got overlooked, and went unrecognized by the American Theatre Wing. One of those shows was Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. It was hit hard by the reviewers, but is striking a chord with audiences old and young who are eating up the classic children's story. The reviewers haven't broken this joyful shows spirits.

After the reviews came out for Charlie I was a little nervous about the production. I'm normally not one to give in to the reviews, I try to find something wonderful in each production I get the privilege of seeing. And I am so happy I didn't pay attention to what they were saying. This show was marvelous, I literally felt like a kid in a candy shop the entire time. My eyes lit up and I was overcome with a smile the whole time. This show makes you feel like a little kid, it's full of imagination and wonder and lets you expand your mind into a world of make believe.

As we all know, I have a very fond admiration for Christian Borle. And in Charlie he gets to bring the audience into the wonderful world of his comedy as Willy Wonka. The character of Wonka is one of the most beloved in history. Played masterfully by Gene Wilder, Christian shines paying tribute to Gene Wilder without being a copycat. We get to see the comedic chops that have won him two Tony Awards (it should have been a third for Marvin but I'm not here to talk about that.) He walks onto the stage singing out the wonderful tune of The Candy Man, a song almost everyone knows, and completely captures your attention. He spends the first half of the show as a shop owner, Wonka in disguise, forming a relationship with the title character Charlie. When we finally get introduced to Willy Wonka it is a marvelous entrance, but I won't ruin the surprise for you. It isn't Gene's classic summersault, but it's equally as excellent. The introduction song 'It Must Be Believed To Be Seen' is probably some of Christians best work to date. He gets to showcase every talent in his holster. I could honestly watch that number every day and not get sick of it. Christians Wonka is heavily inspired by Bugs Bunny. When I first heard him say this in interviews I thought he'd finally lost it, but after seeing the production it works splendidly. He's able to play, and just enjoy himself onstage. He is working his butt off, and from where I was sitting; the second row, you can see the work. He's wearing a velvet coat and top hat during the entire performance and the man is sweating up a storm. His physicality is tested, and it passes. It's a satisfying portrayal. His improv skills get tested as well, with a few line and prop mix ups we get to see his genius (yes I'm using that word) at work. If you don't believe me listen to 'Strike That! Reverse It' and you'll understand, because he performs that while running around a stage and doesn't miss a beat. No matter what you won't be able to leave that theatre in a bad mood just because of Christian Borles Willy Wonka.

Now for the other actors in this show. I'll start with Charlie, which is passed around between three different boys. I ended up seeing Ryan Faust who is the perfect Charlie. Filled with wonder and imagination and absolutely adorable on stage. He makes you feel for this little boy, but also know that there is something more in store for him. He holds his own around all these veterans he has around him. He's kind and funny and has the sweetest voice out there. He was so poised on stage that you almost forgot he was a little kid. And you can see the love in all his fellow actors for him. The admiration in everyone's eyes was a lovely sight to see. Just pure joy and excitement for this little kid.

Charlie is the only kid who is actually played by a child. Veruca, Violet, Mike and Augustus are all played by adults, which could be weird but is actually fantastic. It adds another layer into the show, solidifying that Charlie is the kid for the job. It sets him aside and makes him different. Yet the entire time I kept forgetting that these 'children' were actually adults. Emma, Trista, Michael and F do an absolutely marvelous job of making these little kids seem like kids. They are terrible children, spoiled, conceited, and privileged and every bit satisfying. Emmas Veruca, and Tristas Violet were the stand outs for me. Completely owning the stage every second and making you watch them. Pulling the right amount of focus to them. I have to mention my favourite parent in the show who is Mr. Salt played by Ben Crawford. He just is such a presence on stage that really grabbed my attention. His voice in 'Veruca Says' was beautiful and full, and he's running around that stage in a fur coat, so I applaud him.

I also have to commend the ensemble on their brilliance in this show. From reporters to Oompa Loompas they are all working that stage. Bringing you into the world of Wonka with such energy and commitment to every move. Dressed in gorgeous costumes and spending a fair amount of time on their knees, they're performance is why we need to celebrate the ensemble more.

This show is not perfect. There are a few parts in the first act which are a bit slow, and fall a bit short. But nothing compared to what the reviews were saying. With an extremely entertaining score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, stunning choreography by Joshua Bergasse and beautiful direction by Jack O'Brien. We also get a bit of a Smash reunion with Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Joshua Bergasse and Christian Borle, solidified by a quick nod to Marilyn Monroe and a 'hang you the moon' lyric. Which may or may not be a nod to Smash, but let's just entertain me and say it is. I wish this show had waited till next season to open, just to hash out a few kinks and not be so overwhelmed in a 13 musical season. But when all is said and done it was one of my favourite shows on my trip. It had a darkness to it that I appreciated so much. It was a perfect balance to the sticky sweetness which could of been overwhelming. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and I hope that audiences continue to for a long time to come.