Willy Wonka opened his chocolate factory in London. Grand Théâtre’s Spriet Stage hosts the holiday production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, opening Friday and running through December 24. Although the opening night is sold out, you won’t need a ticket gold to enter British author Roald Dahl’s imaginary candy-covered world.
Willy Wonka, played by London-born Mark Uhre, said the play was a sweet escape during these difficult times. “No matter what you’re celebrating this time of year, it’s an incredible escape for the whole family, for couples, for individuals who want to get away,” said performer Uhre. some time and use their own imagination with us”. at the Imperial Theater on Broadway. in Les Misérables in 2016. Uhre first read the 1964 children’s novel as a child but never thought he would one day play the lead role of Willy Wonka. To bring to life the eccentric, sometimes mysterious chocolatier, Uhre embodied the character right from the moment he donned the costume, coat, wig, and green velvet cane that symbolized the book’s illustrations. book. “What an incredible character to explore, right? You have so many images from movies and books that you can compile into your arsenal as an actor, which is fun,” Uhre said.
The change in the story may surprise the audience. Charlie Bucket, one of four children who find a golden ticket to visit the chocolate factory, is traditionally played by a boy. But this role is shared by Greyson Armer and Neela Noble, a 15-year-old girl. “When the character is a child, a lot of the differences that happen between boys and girls, especially as you get older, widen a bit, but when you’re a child, you still There’s this feeling of wonder. Noble, who has been acting since age 6, divides his time between school and rehearsals. She said she empathized with Charlie’s feelings of surprise and awe when she took the stage at The Grand, which made it easier to transfer those emotions to Bucket’s character.
“This is my first time playing here (at the Grand). It’s surreal because I’ve been going to shows here since I was a kid and I still consider it the crown jewel of London,” said the Beal High School student. The factory takes over the stage with its giant gate and Mr. and Mrs. Charlie’s bed, some familiar elements of the play.
The 2-hour 30-minute musical is directed by Jan Alexandra Smith. “We tried our best to make it as colorful, bright, and surprising as possible,” Smith said. The director notes that more than 50 people, including designers and technicians, work behind the scenes to ensure that the fantasy scenarios in the chocolate factory run smoothly. “It’s going to be great, especially for the kids,” Smith said. On select Wednesday nights, the Grand hosts a brief guided discussion between the cast, creative team, and theater staff.