For a theatrical organization that is only seven years old CTORA has already produced some outstanding shows. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is another winner! With an incredible story from Roald Dahl, with book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Also included are songs from the motion picture by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. This is a wonderful story for all ages — which was evident at the sell out crowd on opening night at the Norman Rothstein Theatre. It is a relatively long show, but the youngsters in the audience were caught up in the excitement and astounding visual effects which this production has.
This is a block buster musical with non-stop fun, laughter and great songs from start to finish. Opening with the ever popular hit: “The Candy Man.” There is a total of 20 songs, plus the overture in this fast-paced, colourful and truly enchanting production. The characters, including several larger-than-life animated squirrels add gleeful humour, as does the “German” contingent, busy trying to stuff as many sausages into themselves as possible.
The show has a huge cast, reminding Vancouver audiences of what they have to look forward to in the years ahead as the graduates from CTORA become professional performers, singers, dancers, directors, production people and more. Special applause to Daniel Curalli as Willy Wonka. A veteran of many musicals in Vancouver, he charms, enlightens, surprises and entreats in this show.
The cast: Daniel Curalli, Quinlan McDonald, Sanders Whiting*, Cathy Wilmot*, Joshua Severyn, Kyrst Hogan, Eric Gibson, Julianne Biegler, Dimitrios Stephanoy, Ryan Nuñez, Paula Higgins, Ashley Nardi, Annika Thakkar, David Grof, Lauren Ridder, Grayson Besworth, Abbygail Sandler, Wilson Fowlie, Johanne Boisvenu-Henry, Owen CB Scott, and Julia Eckert.
Director: Mark Carter. Choreographer: Ken Overbey. Musical Director: Jeremy Hoffman.
Dates: October 11-27, 2024
Times: Oct. 17-20, 24-27 @ 7pm / Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27 @ 2pm
Dark: Oct. 14-16 and Oct. 21-23.
Venue: Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre, 950 W. 41st Ave.
Tickets: https://ctora.ca/tickets