Marriott Lincolnshire’s Theatre for Young Audiences Presents The Golden Ticket to “Charlie & The Chocolate Factory”
Marriott Lincolnshire’s Theatre for Young Audiences is a marvelous, magical series introducing the engaging power of live performances to both young and those young at heart. My friend and her grandchild, Sofia, thoroughly enjoy the enchanting staging of family entertainment venues. The maternal grandmother, Mary, joined us for this fabulous show. She had never been to the Marriott Lincolnshire but was so impressed and elated by the intimate space, comfortable seating, and perfect sight lines.
Two-time Jeff Award-winning Director and Choreographer, Amber Mak, brings British writer Roald Dahl’s most popular 1964 children’s novel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, to life on stage. Mak’s imagination and vision have us entranced in a Wonka World. Superb Music direction is courtesy of Isabella Isherwood. We are treated to a scrumptious chocolate escapade courtesy of a golden ticket through the eccentric world of Willy Wonka and his confectionery factory.
Roald Dahl’s inspiration for his novel may have come from Cadbury, the second-largest confectionery company in the world. Cadbury would send chocolate test samples to schools in Derbyshire, where Dahl attended, soliciting the opinions of schoolboys on its products. He and his classmates may have even toured the chocolate factory. He was no doubt aware of the fierce bittersweet chocolate competition between Rowntree and Cadbury called The Great British Chocolate Wars. The history of these confectionery wars includes unethical corporate behavior, exploitation of the working class, and industrial espionage. This is the fodder that sparked Dahl’s World of Pure Imagination and continues to captivate our attention today.
Dahl’s book was adapted into the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, starring Gene Wilder. In 2005, Tim Burton directed a musical fantasy film that was a box-office success, grossing $475 million. It starred Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore. In 2023, Wonka, a prequel musical film to the novel Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, starring Timothée Hal Chalamet, was another huge success, grossing over $634 million worldwide. This has led to a proliferation of facsimiles, including video games, merchandise, and theatrical productions.
I am extremely impressed by the outstanding talent and passionate performances by the cast of Marriott Lincolnshire’s theatrical production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. George Keating is thoroughly convincing as the unconventional Willy Wonka. He is the perfect impresario to guide us through his factory. He even looks a bit like Gene Wilder, but Keating is a better actor. He is a predominant actor in the Chicago Theater scene. He received a BFA in acting from the Theatre School at DePaul University. Kai Edgar, a 13-year-old artist who has been performing professionally since he was 8, is already a stage veteran. He is debuting on Broadway as Michael in Elf. He has starred as Charlie Bucket on a national tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, traveling to 22 states and 3 countries. He exudes a warmth and charisma that would make chocolate melt.
Avelyn Lena Choi plays the part of Violet Beauregarde, the third child to win a golden ticket. She is competitive, entitled, a gum-chewing, spoiled brat who plays her part to the hilt. She, amazingly, before our eyes, turns into a blueberry. Gordon Henry Heisler is an 8th Grader training with the Broadway Artists Alliance. He has appeared in numerous Marriott Theatre programs. Heisler is cast as Mike Teavee, a television-addicted, rude, disrespectful know-it-all. Elin Joy Seiler is Veruca Salt. I recently saw Seiler as Annie at the North Shore Theatre in December. She was magnificent. As Veruca Salt, she is a manipulative, over-indulged child. She is taken out for being a spoiled brat by the trained squirrels in the nut room for being a “Bad Nut”. Elias Totleben plays Augustus Gloop with gusto. He is the first to find the golden ticket. He is a major protagonist. He is excessively greedy with a voracious, self-indulgent appetite. Rick Hall, whom I immediately recognize from television and film, plays Charlie Bucket’s affable Grandpa Joe. He and Edgar are a fab duo, especially when they dance together.
The supporting actors are a formidable team. Veronica Garza is Grandma Georgina. She is Mike Teavee’s smart, but frail, maternal grandmother. Darian Goulding portrays Mr. Salt, Grandpa George, who is a cynical, sarcastic, grumpy old man. Megan Long plays two roles as Mrs. Bucket and Cherry Sunday. Sunday is a comically funny reporter covering the golden ticket winners. She is terrific in both roles. Michael Earvin Martin as Mr. Beauregard, a fast-talking salesman who has to put up with Violet’s violent tantrums when she does not get what she wants. They are both entertaining rappers and dancers. Elizabeth Romero is delightfully charming as the sassy Mrs. Green, the beaten-down vegetable vendor who cares for the poor Bucket family. Elizabeth Telford also has two roles. She is Mrs. Gloop, who encourages her little man to eat more. She also portrays the caring, sweet Grandma Josephine, Charlie Bucket’s grandmother. Elizabeth Romero received the 2012 Jimmy Award (Essentially a Tony Award for high school students) for Best Actress in a Musical. Understudies include Elliot Angsurat, Viva Boresi, Madison Kauffman, Steve McDonagh, Teah Kiang Mirabelli, and Jason Richards.
The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences team is led by Associate Artistic Director Katie Johannigman, with Associate Director & Choreographer Elizabeth Romero, Scenic Design by Milo Bue. Costume Designer Theresa Ham creates colorful, extraordinary costumes that fit the character and story fantastically. Costume Design Assistant is Mollie Spoerer. Lighting Designer Megan Wines‘ imagination is integral to bringing this story to life. Sound Designer Stefanie Senior does an outstanding job enhancing our emotional experience. Media Designer Tony Churchill, Assistant Media Designer Averie Leger, and Props Designer Wynn Lee let us use our imaginations to see a candy factory that is not there. Dialect Coach Susan Gosdick has us believe some of the gold ticket winners hail from around the world. The outlandish wig, hair, and makeup design by Miguel Armstrong keep us comically entertained. This whole team adds to the story’s sensational magic.
