Charlie and the Chocolate Factory sparks imagination at the Grand Theatre
The stage production runs until Dec. 24
Audiences are now being transported to a world of pure imagination as the stage production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory made its debut at the Grand Theatre this week.
Based on the childhood novel by Roald Dahl and the films from 1971 and 1995, the play has some modern updates while staying true to classic tale that follows Charlie Bucket's journey from getting a golden ticket to winning the heart of Willy Wonka.
The Grand production is based on the script that was developed in the West End theatre in London, England and on Broadway in New York.
"It's been updated for a more modern audience. It serves greater demographic range," said director Jan Alexandra Smith.
"I'm really hoping that parents and grandparents who grew up with the films will find this to be a somewhat nostalgic experience. And I really hope that all the kids who are meeting Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka for the first time will be delighted and wowed."
There are two young actors from London playing the role of Charlie, including Greyson Reign Armer and Neela Noble, both making their debut appearances at the Grand.
"When we started rehearsals, Jan talked to me and Greyson about how we as actors and we as people are two very different people," said Noble, noting she a 15-year-old girl and Greyson is and 8-year-old boy.
"There are two very different experiences that will affect how we play Charlie. So she said to us, 'You guys have your own Charlies' — and so, it was neat to be able to cultivate the character."
Noble said her favourite part about playing Charlie is that the character is in awe and wonder of everything that's happening around them.
"When she goes into [the] chocolate factory, she's just constantly so excited to be there, and that reflects how I am, how I feel here as an actor," she said.
"I'm so excited to be here, and I'm get so excited to be here every day that it's really easy to translate those feelings onto the stage."
LISTEN | The director and cast members talk about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Grand Theatre:
World-renowned actor Mark Uhre, who got his start at the Grand Theatre at the age of 12, was cast for the role of Willy Wonka. He said he welcomed the chance to return to the Grand to work with Smith.
"The beautiful thing about working with Jan and the room that she created with Alexandra Kane and Robin Calvert was that it's a big sandbox. We just got to play and take risks and make lots of mistakes and find out what worked and what didn't work," he said.
Kane is the Grand's music director and Calvert is a choreographer.
Uhre said the brilliant costume designs and set lend to the importance of encouraging imagination.
"It's all about the imagination as an artist, it's where I've lived forever and it's why I love stories like this — because the message is you can use your imagination," he said. "To audiences, whether they are five years old or 85 years old, I think that's the message that is super, super important with this show for sure: use your imagination."
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is running on the Spriet Stage at the Grand until Dec. 24. For tickets, visit the theatre's website.
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