***** Broadway In Aurora! That is probably the best way to describe the works that are produced at The Paramount Theatre of Aurora. Since its inception, we have seen one great show after another. Every season they prove to us that the City of Aurora made the right move in bringing the structure back to life and having Jim Corti and Tim Rater lead them in bringing quality work to their stage. I thank you and so do the thousands of theater-goers who watch the fabulous productions. On stage now is an amazing and breathtaking production of “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory” with a book by David Greig , music by Mar Shaiman, and lyrics by Shaiman with Scott Wittman and songs from the motion picture by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. Of course, the original novel was by Roald Dahl.
What is smashing about this production is the set (Jeffrey D. Kmiec) and special projections (Paul Deziel) along with the amazing costumes (Ryan Park) and props (Jesse Gaffney). Director Trent Stork has assembled a cast that makes each of the characters work and does so without trying to imitate the movie characterizations. Each actor has created their character to perfection. I was concerned about Willy Wonka as Gene Wilder was so amazing in the film, but after watching howStephen Schllhardt made Wonka his, I knew from the opening number we were in for a treat. I was RIGHT! Schellhardt was brilliant ( Jeff nomination for sure!)!
The story is a simple one. Charley Bucket (a strong performance by Meena Sood) and his family are poor. His mother (Jaye Ladymore) and grandparents all live in a tiny house and in fact Charley shares a bed with all of his grandparents (Lydia BurkemNellie Shuford, Jaren David Michael Grant and Gene Weygandt as Grandpa Joe who tags along with Charley when he wins the opportunity to visit the famous candy maker at his factory. Willy offers five golden tickets to be found in his chocolate bars, and those five kids will have an opportunity to possibly end up with the factory. BTW- Charley is played by two performers on alternate performances and the Paramount is doing what is termed genderless by having the second Charlie being a boy played by Charlie Long.
The children on the tour are as follows: Violet (Tiffany T. Taylor is a hoot) and her dad ( Lorenzo Rush Jr. is as always powerful, Veruca Salt (Devon Hayakawa) and her dad Jason Richards ( the perfect Russian), Mike Teavee (August Foreman) and his mother played to perfection by Heidi Kettenring and of course, the fifth winner was Charlie and Grandpa Joe. Hats off to the news people, Jerry (usually played by Nick Druzbanski who shared the role with understudy Dakota Hughes on opening night ) and Cherry (Allison Sill) as they brought us the winners on large screen TV. The good versus evil lesson is very strong.
The tour of the factory is powerful and sends many messages, but in reality is a place where Stork pulls out all the punches. With great choreography ( Kasey Alfonso) this is where the ensemble truly shines with most of them becoming the “Oompa Loompas”. Terrell Armstrong, Lexie Bailey, Brian Bandura, Matty Bettencourt, David Blakeman, Ben Broughton, Lydia Burke, Morgan DiFonzo, Evan C. Dolan, Dakota Hugghes, Alley Ellis, and Matthew Weidenbener ( I think I got them all).
The lighting (Greg Hoffman) and sound (Adam Rosenthal) as always are perfect in this house and the stunt direction by Max Fabian made each of the stints seem real. Karey Danielson and the 18 piece orchestra fill the theater with the wonderful music that help to tell the story. The show opens with “The Candy Man” and while some of the music may seem unfamiliar to you, it truly moves the story along and “Pure Imagination” will bring some memories back. This is the perfect family theater outing vehicle and this is a prodiction that will create a memory that will last for many years to come. A holiday treasure for sure!
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” will continue at The Paramount Theatre in Aurora thru January 14th with performances as follows:
Wednesdays 1:30pm & 7:00pmThursdays 7:00pm ( NO PERFORMANCE ON THE 23rd/THANKSGIVING)
Fridays 8:00pm (ADDED PERFORMANCE ON 11/24th at 3:00 p.m.)
Saturdays 3:00pm & 8:00pm
Sundays 1:00pm & 5:30pm
NO PERFORMANCE ON CHRISTMAS
Show Type: Musical
Box Office: 630-896-6666
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. photos by Liz Lauren
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