Pure Imagination

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Prepare to have your eyes popped and your mind blown when you attend the new holiday production at the Paramount Theatre. But first, a little history about this show. In 2013, Sam Mendes directed the original London production that, despite lukewarm reviews, managed to run for three-and-a-half years in the West End. When the much-anticipated production transferred to Broadway four years later it had been completely reworked. The production had a new director, choreographer, set design and now adult actors played all the kids except for Charlie. Also, in a wise decision, four of the songs from the much-loved motion picture were included in the score of the stage version.

After experiencing this bland, uninspired production when it opened on Broadway, I was really disappointed. As a devout fan of Roald Dahl’s writing, as well as the magical Gene Wilder film version of the book, I was completely let down. The National Tour wasn’t much better. I swore I’d never waste my time sitting through another production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” 

Boy, was I ever wrong! Paramount Theatre’s production is, as the song goes, the very definition of “Pure Imagination.” This is the dazzling, spectacular show that I should’ve seen on Broadway! Under the loving care of Artistic Director Jim Corti, and the artistic and inventive guidance of director Trent Stork, I can’t imagine a more fabulous, fantastic and faithful depiction of Roald Dahl’s creative novel for kids. Trent’s production is so perfectly cast and carefully crafted that audiences, as they did opening night, will leap to their feet cheering the extravaganza that unfolds before their eyes. As the master chocolatier Willy Wonka sings, “It Must Be Believed to Be Seen.”

I don’t know where to begin: every single element of this magnificent production is stellar. Director Trent Stork has created a beautiful, splashy and colorfully kaleidoscopic world of imagination and eye-popping spectacle. They continue spinning this magical tale about how a child’s dream comes true, with never a dull moment. Stork elicits the best performances from each of the massive, multitalented cast. Kids of all ages will squeal with delight seeing Roald Dahl’s hilarious characters come to life. 

The production is led by the extraordinary and layered performance of Stephen Schellhardt. This actor IS Willy Wonka, from his humorous quick quips to his detailed and studied physical movement. He even resembles a young Gene Wilder. Mr. Schellhardt opens the musical with—what else?—“The Candy Man,” one of four lovely songs written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley for the film. The Jeff Award-winning Mr. Schellhardt, who led Paramount’s magnificent production of “Into the Woods,” as the Baker, establishes the eccentric style and tone this comic confection, right from the beginning. He is the energy source that absolutely drives this production.

Stephen shares the stage with two talented young actors who share the role of Charlie Bucket. Opening night audiences enjoyed the spirited and heartfelt performance of Meena Sood in the title role. I expected that she would play the character as a boy. however, I was delighted to see that Charlie, as portrayed by the captivating Miss Sood, is played as a pretty and winsome little girl. And it works! Meena has a long list of credits that belie her young years, including Paramount’s terrific “School of Rock.” Alternating in the demanding titular role is young Charlie Long. For the curtain call, he appeared alongside Ms. Sood and looks every inch the poor little waif depicted in Dahl’s book. Master Long’s theatre credits also include “School of Rock,” as well as Paramount’s “Sound of Music.”

One of Chicago’s favorite character actors, Gene Weygandt returns to the Aurora theatre as Charlie’s beloved Grandpa Joe. Mr. Weygandt will be remembered as grumpy Mr. Mushnik in Paramount’s “Little Shop of Horrors.” In this production he delights as a lovable father figure for Charlie, who chaperones his grandchild on the exciting trip through Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. On the journey, Grandpa Joe fondly recalls when, as a younger man, he once worked there as a security guard. Grandpa Joe and Charlie sing two other hit tunes from the film, including the gorgeous “Pure Imagination” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” shared with Mrs. Bucket (a sweetly devoted mother played by Jaye Ladymore) and the other bedridden grandparents (humorously portrayed by Lydia Burke, Nellie Shuford and Jared David Michael Grant).

The supporting cast is equally gifted, hilarious and luminary in their respective roles. They include, as the other four children who find Golden Tickets, and their bizarre parents: Devon Hayakawa (Veruca Salt) & Jason Richards (Mr. Salt); David Blakeman (Augustus Gloop) & Abby C. Smith (Mrs. Gloop); Tiffany T. Taylor (Violet Beauregarde) & Lorenzo Rush, Jr. (Mr. Beauregarde); and August Forman (Mike Teavee) & Heidi Kettenring (Mrs. Teavee). Appearing on television screens as entertainment newscasters are Allison Sill, as Cherry, and Nick Druzbanski, as Jerry. The 19-member ensemble are fantastic, athletic dancers and skilled singers. They play, among other supporting characters, the blue-haired and pink costumed Oompa Loompas.

The original score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman is serviceable, but not particularly as memorable as the songs from the movie. They nicely support David Greig’s book that adapts and updates Roald Dahl’s novel for kids. The musical direction for the company, as well as the talented conductor of Paramount’s brilliant 18-member pit orchestra, is Kory Danielson. And Kasey Alfonso assists Trent Stork with her lively, contemporary movement and choreography.

But it’s the enormous amount of technical artistry behind this excellent production that really stands out. The brilliantly talented, multiple award-winning Jeffrey D. Kmiec has designed  sets that are exquisite and positively jaw-dropping. There’s so much color, sparkle and moving parts that the scenic design becomes another character in this production, as it should. Mr.  Kmiec’s work is splendidly enhanced by Greg Hofmann’s glittering lighting design, Paul Deziel’s astounding scenic projections, Jesse Gaffney’s unbelievably creative properties and Adam Rosenthal’s detailed sound design. Ryan Park’s monumental work designing and building the hundreds of imaginative costumes, masks and wigs are the sugary icing on this cake. And high praise goes to the many unsung artistic heroes working behind the scenes on fly rail, as crew heads and helping make this exciting production come alive through all their hard work.

Roald Dahl’s delightful, often dark and demented, novel from 1964 leaps to life in Trent Stork’s fantastic, reimagined new musical production. It’s the perfect production for the holidays and will appeal to kids of all ages, as well as the grownup for whom the child still resides in his heart. It’s a soulful and inspirational story about a child whose imagination bursts with creativity. Dahl’s fantasy gives hope to everyone, saying that with determination we can all live our dreams. Like his hero Willy Wonka, young Charlie Bucket views an empty notebook page as a launching pad for exploring his “Pure Imagination.” Truly, this is one musical produced by a great theatre company, that should absolutely not be missed.                 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 8-January 14 by Paramount Theatre, 23 East Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Paramount Theatre box office, by calling 630-896-6666 or by visiting www.paramountaurora.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.