LINCOLNSHIE, Ill.—“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is a popular children’s book by British author Roald Dahl (1916–1990) about an enigmatic candy-man looking for someone to inherit his chocolate factory. Now, it has been rejuvenated in a delicious production at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
The fanciful novel, first published in 1964, was adapted into movies that have been seen by millions. There was Tim Burton’s direction of the film “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which starred Johnny Depp in 2005, and the 1971 motion picture “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” that featured Gene Wilder. Both screen versions were so popular that the story was adapted into a stage musical by David Greig. Marc Shaiman wrote the music and Shaiman and Scott Wittman the lyrics. It premiered in London in 2013 and moved on to Broadway in 2017.
The cast of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” (Justin Barbin)A Zany Yet Heartwarming Story
The theatrical story remains faithful to the novel. Mr. Wonka comes up with a contest in which there are five golden tickets in chocolate bars. The five who find the tickets will be invited for a tour of the chocolate factory as well as the possibility of winning a grand prize.
Young Charlie Bucket wants to win a ticket but his parents are so poor that they can only afford one candy bar for Charlie’s birthday. He doesn’t win and has to watch as golden tickets are won by four not-so-nice kids. Charlie is very depressed until he comes across a very kind candy-store shop owner, who is secretly Mr. Wonka. The candy-shop owner drops a dollar bill and pretends that he doesn’t know where it came from. Charlie uses it to buy the last available chocolate bar. It’s a golden-ticket miracle, which gets Charlie invited to the Wonka factory.
Charlie (Kai Edgar) discovers a golden ticket in his chocolate bar, in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” (Justin Barbin)Masterfully directed by Amber Mak, who also choreographed the show, the magical world of Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory unfolds in terrific stagecraft. There is a fairytale storybook set created by scenic designer Milo Bue and cartoonish and colorful costumes by Theresa Ham. The lighting by Megan Wines illuminates the action, and thanks to perfect sound design by Stefanie Senior, the Marriott stage is transformed into an enchanted chocolate workspace. And, there’s the stage wizardry of watching the character Violet Beauregarde turn into a blueberry—amazing!
Everything about this production is captivating, especially the performances. As Charlie, Kai Edgar is adorable and entrancing, drawing us immediately in with his engaging innocence. George Keating’s Willy Wanka is a charismatic charmer. His facial expressions and comic exuberance recalls Gene Wilder at his best. Rick Hall, who plays Grandpa Joe, is an engaging and fetching hoot of a venerable family patriarch.
Willy Wonka (George Keating), candymaker extraordinaire, in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” (Justin Barbin)The entitled, spoiled, bratty kids are played with hilarious abandon by Elias Totleben as August Gloop, Elin Joy Seiler as the demanding Veruca Salt, Avelyn Lena Choi as self-absorbed Violet Beauregarde, and Gordon Henry Heisler as the techno-obsessed Mike Teavee.
The zany group of Oompa-Loompas, bedecked in a riotous gear of wild clothing, delivers an added level of madcap slapstick to the show. Last, but not least, there are uplifting and optimistic songs. They include “The Candy Man,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” “Pure Imagination,” and “Queen of Pop,” in wonderful arrangements by musical director Isabella Isherwood.
It turns out that the stage presentation of the children’s story is even more of a delight close up and personal than it was on the silver screen. It has none of the eerie, darker, gothic feel of the 2005 Tim Burton film. In fact, it’s closer in style and atmosphere to the Gene Wilder movie. Marriott’s playful, bewitching presentation is the most heartwarming of all.
Willy Wonka (George Edgar, L) talks to Charlie (Kai Edgar), in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” (Justin Barbin)“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is all about imagination and dreams coming true, and this Marriott production has taken that to heart. Throughout the show, children in the audience squealed with delight at the events and fantastical characters that had come to life on stage. It wasn’t just the little tots who were heard singing “Candy Man” as they danced out of the theater. Their parents were humming right along with them.
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’
Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences
10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire, Ill.
Tickets: 847-634-0200 or MarriottTheatre.com
Runs: 1 hour, 10 minutes (no intermission)
Closes: March 28, 2026
What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to features@epochtimes.nyc
