“Scrumptious! Michael Therriault’s dazzling and charismatic Willie Wonka is one of the production's highlights. Terrific family fare for the upcoming Christmas and holiday season. This ‘Charlie’ will sell out, so get your tickets soon.”

Thank you, Thom Allison, for giving Toronto audiences and their families a wonderful present for the upcoming holiday season.

Not only is the musical talent in your cast remarkable, but the audience also gets to see Toronto actors come together to play multiple roles and tell a story with open arms and a loving heart. It’s just what all of us need right now. A bonus for young people and their families: there are morning and afternoon shows with a running time of 75 minutes. Just right to maintain the interest of the wee ones.

Kind-hearted Charlie Bucket (Breton Lalama), like any typical youngster, has a passion for chocolate (as do I). Life is a challenge for young Charlie. Money is extremely tight. He lives with his single mother (Zorana Sadiq) who works nights at the local laundry. Charlie stays at home with his kind Grandpa Joe (lovely work by Larry Mannell as he accompanies Charilie to the Wonka Factory), Grandma Georgina (Tiffany Deriveau), Grandma Josephine (Jacob MacInnis) and Grandpa George (David Webb).

Through all these challenges in Charlie’s life, he never loses hope of dreaming of big things coming his way. One day, he hopes to meet his idol, Willy Wonka (Michael Therriault), a chocolatier who owns and runs a candy factory. Charlie hears of a contest that Wonka hosts. It involves finding a golden ticket in one of the Wonka bars. If the purchaser finds a ticket, that individual gets to tour the factory with an accompanying parent with the potential of winning the grand prize: a lifetime supply of chocolate.

Through sheer determination and luck, Charlie becomes among the winners, along with four others: Augustus Gloop (David Lopez) from Germany, Veruca Salt (Caitlin MacInnis) from Russia; Violet Beauregarde (Ruth Acheampong) from California and Mike Teavee (Nick Boegel) from Iowa. These other contest finalists learn some harsh lessons about life.

So, a story about the wonder and imagination of childhood mixed with some harsh lessons about the world around us? Is that a downer, especially with the approaching Christmas and holiday seasons?

Director Thom Allison doesn’t believe so.

In his Programme Note, he writes that if young people are taught to think beyond themselves, to care for other people around them, and to show goodness to others, the world will become kinder and friendlier.

Allison's whimsical direction transports the audience to a land of "pure imagination" on the Ada Slaight Stage at Young People's Theatre. Jeannie Wyse's music direction is delightful throughout the performance. "The Candy Man," which opens the show, made me smile. There is one moment when Tiffany Deriveau sings, and I cannot hear the lyrics as the orchestra/band overpowers her. Is it possible to balance that moment?

Allison Plamondon's choreography enhances several moments with humour. One memorable instance is the introduction of Augustus Gloop, where the ensemble, dressed in Viennese lederhosen and dirndls, performs a hilarious dance reminiscent of scenes from "European Vacation" and "The Producers" featuring Will Ferrell, Matthew Broderick, and Nathan Lane.

The story is set in Toronto, which adds to its believability, thanks to Laura Warren's impressive projection designs. At one point, I saw fall leaves swirling past the window of a house. Set Designer Brandon Kleiman has created pillars that frame the stage and contain remnants of items found in a factory. Jareth Li's striking lighting designs emphasize the two different worlds that Charlie inhabits: the factory world and the world with his mother and grandparents. Ming Wong's costume designs effectively bring memorable characters to life, especially Wonka’s costume at the top of the show. The polka-dotted outfits and wigs of the Oompa Loompa characters made me smile as they became larger than life.

Breton Lalama effectively portrays Charlie Bucket's precocious and earnest awkwardness as he transitions into his teenage years, both in voice and physical presence. Michael Therriault shines as a charismatic and captivating showman in the role of Willy Wonka, moving with a sleekness that exudes poise and grace.

Zorana Sadiq delivers a poignant performance as Charlie’s single mother, blending realism with a sense of empathy. In a surprising twist, she also shines as the humorous TV spokesperson Cherry Sundae, so much so that I didn’t recognize her at first. Jacob MacInnis is a hoot as Mrs. Gloop, particularly during the yodelling scenes.

The winners of the Spoiled Children contest—Nick Boegel, Ruth Acheampong, Caitlyn MacInnis, and David Lopez—boldly convey an important lesson: that life isn’t always just about oneself. DeAnn deGruijter’s portrayal of Mrs. Teavee humorously illustrates how a mother who coddles her son can lead to trouble if it isn’t addressed early on.

Final Thought: It has been a long time since I've seen the original film with Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka. I often think that I should revisit the original source to compare how similar stories are presented in two different mediums: film and theatre.

That’s what the holiday time is for outside of visiting family and friends and understanding the true meaning of the upcoming Christmas season.

‘Willy Wonka’ is a gift to Toronto audiences this Christmas and holiday season. It is genuinely appreciated and will be cherished and appreciated.

Running time: approximately 75 minutes with no interval/intermission.

‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ runs until December 30 on the Ada Slaight Stage at Toronto’s Young People’s Theatre. The production is recommended for ages 6 and up.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATRE presents
Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Canadian TYA Premiere

Directed by Thom Allison
Music Director: Jeannie Wyse
Choreographer: Allison Plamondon
Set Designer: Brandon Kleiman
Costume Designer: Ming Wong
Lighting Designer: Jareth Li
Sound Designer: Brian Kenny
Projection Designer: Laura Warren
Stage Manager: Barry W. Cook.

Performers: Breton Lalama, Michael Therriault, Ruth Acheampong, Nick Boegel, DeAnn deGruijter, Tiffany Deriveau, David Lopez, Caitlyn MacInnis, Jacob MacInnis, Larry Mannell, Zorana Sadi