Reviewed by Tony Annicone 

The magical musical that is Hanover Theatre’s current National Tour of Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” brings us into the world of Willy Wonka, the world famous candy creator. Dahl wrote over 30 books throughout his career. This version is based on the author’s 1964 classic book and uses some of the Academy Award  nominated songs from the 1971 movie version “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley as well as fresh new songs from Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman who also wrote “Hairspray, the Musical.” Hidden in Willy Wonka chocolate bars are five golden tickets which will allow five children into his factory. Charlie Bucket and four others are the winners of these tickets, granting them access into this marvelous and mysterious factory. The five of them begin a mesmerizing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination where each of these children learn life lessons as well as having tantalizing treats and seeing incredible inventions along the way. The children have to learn to follow Wonka’s rules or face the consequences. The moral of the story in all these incarnations is telling the truth and being a nice person does always pay off. Though audiences might think this is a show just for children, it is one for the child in all of us (at any age) who yearn for the days of nice people and truth tellers to return to the forefront once again. This high energy musical is beautifully directed by Matt Lens, and excellently musically directed by Kelly Thomas, with an 8 piece orchestra and some incredible and breathtaking choreography by Alison Solomon, who mold their 28 multitalented cast members into these iconic roles. Their marvelous insight into this show wins all of them a prolonged standing ovation.

Read more “National Tour of Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Lands in Worcester”