Treat Yourself to Roald Dahl’s WILLY WONKA: Show Review by Jamie Levine

My daughter and I traveled to Bellmore, not Broadway, to see this local Long Island production of Roald Dahl’s timeless story of a magical chocolate factory, and it proved just as deliciously satisfying. This musical was brought to life by Plaza Theatrical Productions, Long Island’s largest touring theatre company, which has been entertaining families for over 30 years.

Featuring simple sets and a small cast of talented adults (each of whom took on a myriad of roles), along with one child actor (who played Charlie Bucket, of course), this production employed descriptive narratives and catchy songs (some from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder as well as new ones by Leslie Bricusse (Jekyll & Hyde, Doctor Dolittle) and Anthony Newley) to successfully transport the audience on a sweet, enchanting adventure.

My daughter praised the talents of the boy who played Charlie, while I was enamored with the performer who played the enigmatic candy maker, Willy Wonka, in a more likeable manner than the movie version (as well as with a more appealing voice—showcased in “The Candy Man,” and other tunes). And each of the four adults who played the bratty golden-ticket winning children—Augustus Gloop, Violet, Veruca, and Mike Teavee—played the parts convincingly, garnering plenty of laughs from the audience. And once their characters lost themselves to the temptations of the chocolate factory, each of these actors successfully morphed him or herself into an oompa loompa, sporting a funny green wig and black-and-white overall shorts, though lacking the infamous movie-color orange skin.

Cleverly staged, and wrapped up in just about an hour, this production of Willy Wonka was a hit with a young audience—and even my slightly older 10-year-old kid. Most importantly, this musical relates an important message for today—the rewards to be reaped by telling the truth. In this ageless tale, the greedy, undeserving children suffered, and honesty reigned. And best of all, the winner gets chocolate. There’s nothing sweeter than that.

Willy Wonka Performance Schedule:

Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 11:00am

Sunday, November 19, 2017 at 12:00pm

Directly following each performance there is a meet and greet and photo opportunity with the cast members.

The Showplace at the Bellmore Movies

222 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore NY

Tickets are $12 and available at www.plazatheatrical.com.

For further information, or for Group orders, please call (516) 599-6870.