Greetings to you, the lucky finder of this Golden Ticket, from Mr. Willy Wonka! As you may have heard, my marvelous and mysterious chocolate factory is re-opening after many years… and you are one of the wondrously lucky few who will get to see inside its glorious walls! I am preparing fantastic surprises for you that will entrance, delight, intrigue, astonish, and perplex you beyond measure.
Don’t be late! Please bring your Golden Ticket, at least one family member to look after you, and a heaping spoonful of Creativity and Imagination. Incredible things are in store for you here at the Wonka Chocolate Factory!
Performances are
Saturday, March 18 – 2:00pm & 7:00pm* (*the 7:00pm show is Pay What You Will)
Sunday, March 19 – 2:00pm
Saturday, March 25 – 2:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday, March 26 – 2:00pm
Based on the book by Roald Dahl
Dramatized by Richard R. George
Best enjoyed by ages 6 and up
Location: The Larry and Vivian Snipes Main Stage
Length of Show: Approximately 1 hour long
Review!
Lex Fun 4 Kids writer Candice and her family enjoyed the show and have a great review to share!
The Sweetest Show of the Season!
Contributed by the Rodgers family
As my family and I entered the Larry and Vivian Snipes Main Stage at The Lexington Children’s Theater, my nine and six year old children were immediately mesmerized by the swirling floor and colorful props and decorations. We found our seats (there’s not a bad one in the house) and squeezed hands as the lights went down and the narrators stepped onto the stage.
If you’re familiar with the story by Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 1964) or have seen either of the movies (Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, 1971 or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 2005), then the first contrast you might notice with LCT’s version is that Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket are played by actors presenting as female. My daughter loved identifying with the main characters in this way! Willy was the perfect mix of eccentric and caring while Charlie embodied kindness and hope.
The story unfolded as we met the winners of the Golden Tickets and learned that they will get to tour Wonka’s factory and finally solve the mystery of how she’s in business when no workers ever go in…or come out. Augustus Gloop, Mike Teevee, Veruca Salt, and Violet Beauregard join Charlie on the fantastical tour. Each actor captured the essence of the negative personality traits that compel their characters to break rules and get into some serious trouble.
Enter the Oompa Loompas! These actors sang and danced in brightly colored wigs and matching outfits. Through their songs, we learn of the fate of the other four children. Their use of minimal props to play with the audience’s imagination was delightful. From chocolate rivers, to a massive blueberry (my son’s favorite part), to the Nut-Sorting Department we were taken right along into the whirlwind with the characters. Now, about the Nut-Sorting Department: I thought my six year old would think the Oompa Loompa Squirrels were scary. However, my little guy didn’t even flinch. He loved them. My daughter said their song was her favorite!
In the end, the audience learns the serendipitous outcome of Wonka’s factory and that of Charlie and her family. The sweetest part of the play was that we saw children with REAL golden tickets inviting them to a LCT production in the future. How cool! The cast sticks around for pictures with the audience with the amazing set behind them. The play runs for a bit over an hour which was perfect for my energetic kiddos. Enjoy!
Enter to WIN a Family 4 Pack of Tickets!
Enter to win a family 4 pack of tickets to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory presented by the Lexington Children’s Theatre at The Lexington Children’s Theatre. Tickets can be used for any performance. Winner will be notified by email and have 24 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Giveaway ends Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 8 pm. One entry per person. Tickets are non-transferrable.
For show information visit https://www.lctonstage.org/event/charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory/