Roald Dahl’s eccentric fictional chocolatier Willy Wonka is opening up his Oompa-Loompa–filled candy factory for all of San Diego to see when Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory hits the San Diego Civic Theatre stage May 14–19.
The updated musical follows the same sweet plot as Dahl’s 1964 novel and includes popular songs, such as “Pure Imagination” and “The Candy Man,” from the film adaptations—but with a modern twist, thanks to a new score from the songwriters of Hairspray and hip-hop numbers to go along with it.
The timeless tale of Wonka looking for an heir includes a self-absorbed Violet Beauregarde with her own YouTube channel, Mike Teavee glued to his cellphone and iPad, and the purely lovable protagonist Charlie Bucket to keep all involved grounded. Luckily, you don’t have to buy a hundred Wonka Bars to find a ticket.
May 14–19, San Diego Civic Theatre, Downtown broadwaysd
‘Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ Hits the San Diego Civic Theatre Stage
Photo by Joan Marcus
