Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, REVIEW, Aug 15, 2019 ***1/2

MUSICAL THEATRE
Based on Roald Dahl’s book 

Music by Marc Shaiman, Lyrics Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman; Book by David Greig 

Additional songs by Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley (from 1971 movie)

At Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne, until Nov 3, 2019 

Reviewer: Kate Herbert  at opening on 15 August 2019

Stars: ***1/2

This review is NOT published in Herald Sun but only on this blog. KH

Lenny Thomas, Tony Sheldon - PIC  HEIDI VICTORIA

Take a bite from this sugar-coated delight that is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the vibrant, family-friendly musical based on Roald Dahl’s book.

In addition to the mountains of chocolate and candy in Willy Wonka's (Paul Slade Smith) factory, the audience is also treated to the sweetness and charm of Lenny Thomson, the Melbourne boy who plays the optimistic Charlie Bucket with naive and vivacious playfulness.

Charlie lives in cheerful poverty with his hard-working mother (Lucy Maunder) and his two sets of ancient, invalid grandparents. Charlie's adoring Grandpa Joe (Tony Sheldon) stimulates Charlie's imagination with tall tales of his own past - mostly fictional - adventures.

Slade Smith, who also played the role of Willy Wonka on Broadway, is spry, arch and mercurial as he leads the motley parade of Golden Ticket winners through his factory that is choc-full of edible deliciousness, including a chocolate river, candy flowers and a tasty giraffe.

  Lenny Thomas PIC  HEIDI VICTORIA

The songs are singable, particularly those made familiar in the 1971 movie and especially Pure Imagination, Willy's signature tune about creativity and chocolate.

The first appearance of the Oompa Loompas elicits laughter and applause from the audience, and each of their mischievous songs heralds the awful but comical maiming of another unpleasant child in the factory, in inimitable Roald Dahl fashion.

The vividly colourful set integrates digital imagery into the stage design (Mark Thompson), making this a production for the 21st century.

Although Jack O’Brien’s direction and Joshua Bergasse’s choreography are spirited, some scenes feel awkward, lacking pace or not quite as 'magical' as others..

Intermittently, Slade Smith, who is clearly skilful, well-cast and comfortable in the role, loses some warmth, mischievousness and complicity with audience, shifting into automatic – as if he has performed the role too many times, perhaps?

Ultimately, it’s audience reaction that counts, and the children sat on the edge of their seats during this production that is also a tasty treat for big kids.

by Kate Herbert

Cast:
Paul Slade Smith (US) - Willy Wonka

Tony Sheldon -Grandpa Joe

Mrs Bucket -Lucy Maunder

Lenny Thomson -Charlie Bucket on opening night

Jake Fehily - Augustus Gloop

Octavia Barron Martin - Mrs Gloop

Karina Russell - Veruca Salt

Stephen Anderson -Mr Salt

Jayme-Lee Hanekom - Violet Beauregard

Madison McKoy - Mr Beauregard

Harrison Riley - Mike Teavee

Jayde Westaby - Mrs Teavee

Charlie played on various nights by:
Benjamin Belsey (10 years of age, from Point Cook), Elijah Slavinskis (10, Ashburton), Edgar Stirling (10, St Kilda), Lenny Thomas (12, Bonbeach), Lachlan Young (13, Camberwell).

Creative Team:
Director Jack O’Brien

Music Marc Shaiman

Lyrics Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman

Book by David Greig

Choreography- Joshua Bergasse

Additional songs - Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley from 1971 movie.

Scenic and costume design- Mark Thompson

Lighting design-Japhy Weideman

Sound design Andrew Keister

Projection design -Jeff Sugg

Puppet and illusion design -Obie and Basil Twist

Music supervision -Nicholas Skilbeck.

Ensemble

Johanna Allen, Sheridan Anderson, Hayden Baum, Kanen Breen, Bayley Edmends, Bronte Florian, Todd Goddard, Madison Green, David Hammond, Sasha Lian-Diniz, Aaron Lynch, Jordan Malone, Kassie Martin, Phoenix Mendoza, Joseph Naim, Adam Noviello, Glen Oliver, Danielle O'Malley, Jackson Reedman, Emma Russell, Taylor Scanlan and Thalia Smith.

Producers: John Frost, Craig Donnell, Warner Bros Theatre Ventures, Langley Park Productions and Neal Street Productions