Review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has been beloved by generations through Roald Dahl's beloved book, the Gene Wilder film, and the newest film installment featuring Timothee Chalamet. The story of the inventive genius of Willy Wonka and his magical candy factory staffed by the comical Oompa Loompas, and his test to gift the factory to a deserving child is a favorite classic and a truly delightful stage show.
This is the perfect show for young audiences to introduce them to live theater (showing June 18 – August 4, 2024). The show features music from the magical movie musical along with new music from the show’s recent Broadway adaptation.
For a truly special touch, Willy Wonka is portrayed by Tanner Rose, who works at Andre's Confiserie Suisse on the Plaza as his day job - he truly is a chocolate professional! Rose's portrayal of Wonka is truly charming. As the children discover their golden tickets, we meet the characters Charlie Bucket, delightfully portrayed by Ethan Suen in our viewing, his Grandpa Joe, Violet, Mike Tevee, Augustus, and Veruca.
The Coterie transforms its small space into the magical chocolate world with the effective use of beautiful props, lighting, and creativity, creating the colorful and mysterious Wonka world right before your eyes. This production offers all the heart and fun of the classic film, but none of the spooky elements - making it an especially ideal introduction to the story for young audiences.
The audience loved the surprises throughout the story from Wonka's signature entrance (with a twist), to the colorful candy and lighting, to the funny humor of the Oompa Loompas - thankfully given a modern twist with an update to their signature tune. With fabulous sets and costumes, and a truly charming cast, The Coterie's production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a whimsical joyride through the story we've all come to know and love.
Tickets:
The Coterie will begin Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on June 18 and run through August 4, 2024, at The Coterie Theatre, located on level one of Crown Center Shops in Kansas City, MO. Press Night will be held on Friday, June 21, at 7:00 p.m. The performance runs approximately 70 minutes with no intermission and will be appreciated by all ages.
The Coterie Box Office Phone: 816.474.6552 www.thecoterie.org
- $14.00 for youth under 18, students, and seniors 60 and older
- $18.00 for adults
- $12.00 for groups of 20 or more
NOTABLE PERFORMANCE EXTRAS
During the run of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Coterie invites audiences to take advantage of these special, free performance extras (with paid admission):
- Interpreted performance in American Sign Language - Saturday, July 6 at 1:00 p.m.
- Audio Described performance with verbal commentary to assist patrons who are visually impaired - Thursday, July 18 at 1:00 p.m. and Friday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m.
- Sensory Friendly performance for neurodiverse audiences featuring technical adjustments, sensory supports, house lights on and flexible audience expectations - Thursday, July 18 at 1:00 p.m. and Friday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Cast:
The cast of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features Tanner Rose (as Willy Wonka), James Wright (as Grandpa Joe), Chelsea Turner (as Mrs. Bucket/Cherry/Oompa Loompa), Kushi Beauchamp (as Grandma Josephine/Mrs. Green/Mrs. Gloop/Squirrel/Oompa Loompa), Shanna Jones (as Grandma Georgina/Mrs. Teavee), Corbin Eakes (Grandpa George/Mr. Salt/ Oompa Loompa), Marcel Daly (as Mr. Beauregarde/Jerry/Squirrel/Robot), Lindsey Edwards (female cover), and Terrace Wyatt, Jr. (male cover). The cast also features several young professional actors who will share roles and perform alternating dates throughout the run. These include Luke Pyron and Ethan Suen (as Charlie Bucket), Viviana Carias and Aubrey Richardson (as Violet Beauregarde), Leo J. Covitz and Joaquin Gonzalez Layton (as Mike Teavee), Kamryn Henderson and Evan LeRoy (as Augustus Gloop), and Lainey McManamy and Sophia Bell Payton (as Veruca Salt). The artistic and production company includes Jerry Jay Cranford (director and choreographer), Anthony T. Edwards and Ty Tuttle (music directors), Mackenzie Goodwin (production stage manager), Derek Trautwein (technical director), Bradley Meyer (scenic designer), Jarrett Bertoncin (lighting designer), Georgianna Londré (costume designer), David Kiehl (sound designer), Eric Palmquist (properties), Chioma Anyanwu (associate director & choreographer), Ciera Loran (young professionals coordinator/production assistant), Dorian Allen (facilities/box office), and Bee Gradwohl (assistant stage manager/deck manager).
J Robert Schraeder