“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”

Somewhat Recommended ** Many years ago, movie fans fell in love with Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. That was 1971 and the tale written by Roald Dahl opened up a new world of imagination to youngsters all over the world. While the story was filled with awe and wonder, it also had a great message relating to greed and selfishness and some wonderful musical numbers written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, who gave us “Stop The World, I Want To Get Off” and “The Roar of the Greasepaint, the Smell of the Crowd”- two of my favorites.

Now, we have a reimagined version of the original Dahl story,” Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” telling us the same story, but more from the angle of Charlie ( played by three young men, Henry Boshart, Collin Jeffrey and Rueby Wood). We were witness to the adorable Boshart on opening night. A cutie- pie loaded with talent. It is the same basic story as the film version. Wonka ( nice attempt by Noah Weisberg to develop a different style, but audiences cannot help compare him to Wilder ( unfair, of course, but people are people) and as good as he is and as hard as he tries, he cannot hit the mark set by the genius of Wilder.

The cast is highly energetic and the sets and visuals delightful. The kids that are “losers”, in many ways are great to watch and when they do not pay heed to the instructions of  Wonka, the fate is funny ( but may be hard on little kids to watch). Wonka is having a contest to give away candy for life and has five golden tickets hidden in his candy bars. The five winners are brought to the factory for a tour and to learn about life. There are a few of the film’s wonderful songs in the production, “Pure Imagination”, “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got A Golden Ticket”. The new score is by the writers of “Hairspray” (Marc Shaiman /music and Shaiman and Scott Wittman/lyrics) with a new book written by David Greig. The story is close to the original, but updated to the world of today.

The highlight of the show is the wonderful and creative costuming and choreography of the  Oompa Loompas. Watching their numbers is worth the price of the ticket and a treat for the eyes that will leave a lasting memory. I would go back ( bringing the grandkids) just for their numbers. I was also impressed with James Young as Grandpa Joe that shared the magic with Charlie. If you loved the film and are willing to give up its magic for the live version with some new material, you only have until October 21st to get your golden ticket to see “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at the Oriental Theatre.

Running time: 2 1/2 hours with one 15 minute intermission

Tuesdays  7:340 p.m.

Wednesdays  2 and 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  2 and 8 p.m.

Sundays  2 and 7:30 p.m. ( no evenings on the 14th and 21st)

Tickets start at $27, so at least it is affordable for the family and can be purchased at all of the Broadway In Chicago box offices or online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com

The theater is located at 24 West Randolph Street ( between State and Dearborn)

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”