From January 2019 Sydney audiences will step into a world of pure imagination with the new musical version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The show, which just wrapped up a three year run on the West End and a short stint on Broadway, will open at the Capitol Theatre early in the new year.
It's based more on Roald Dahl's 1964 book than the beloved 1971 film, but does feature a couple of the songs you know and love, including 'Pure Imagination', 'Candy Man' and 'I've Got a Golden Ticket'. The rest of the music is penned by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, who are best known for writing the score for the musical Hairspray.
You already know the plot: the eccentric master chocolatier Willy Wonka opens up his mysterious factory to four young children, looking for an heir to take over the kingdom. Four of the children have been spoiled rotten and *spoiler alert* suffer horrible fates inside the factory – Augustus gets sucked up a tube after gorging himself on chocolate, Violet turns into a giant blueberry, Mike's TV addiction gets the best of him and Veruca gets her comeuppance via squirrel – but the poor, young Charlie Bucket manages to prove his integrity.
The musical was an audience favourite in London, but received a cooler reception in New York, where it got mixed reviews. Time Out New York's critic wasn't the greatest fan – you can read his two-star review here.
The Broadway production was directed by triple Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien, who will helm the local version, and features illusions and puppets designed by Basil Twist. No casting has been announced at this point, but the four spoilt children – Mike, Augustus, Veruca, Violet – are played by adults in this version, adding extra comedic layers.
Tickets (golden and otherwise) will be on sale soon. A waitlist is available at charliethemusical.com.au.
Want to catch a musical in Sydney this week? The Book of Mormon and Mamma Mia are both playing now.