CHARLIE and the CHOCOLATE FACTORY Music by Marc Shaiman; Book by David Greig; Lyrics by Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman; Based on the story by Roald Dahl Director: Ben Ireson Musical Director: Michael J Scott Choreographers: Naomi Ireland & Aedin Bartlett Knutsford Musical Theatre Company Roald Dahl’s world-famous book has been made into two successful films, a long running West End musical, which had a brief stay on Broadway, and several tours in England and in the States. Now the musical is released for community theatre and who else better than KMTC to be the first ACT member to present it. I have to say the music did not have the same appeal that composer Mark Shaiman and lyrists Scott Wittman have with their other shows. However. it was a clever move to include the iconic numbers from the film as they had the biggest impact. The book, films, and musical are so well known that an audience comes to the theatre with great expectations. Now, this is a show that depends not only on performance but the technical wizardry has to wow the audience. The auditorium was dressed in keeping with the show bringing the audience into the world of Willy Wonka. The in house scenery was well designed but the question was, how were the different areas of the factory to be shown, as they are so important. There was such limited time for scene changes. Jonathan Hall and Connor J Ryan’s very creative video design was “Pure Imagination”. The much awaited glass elevator had a theatrical twist for, as Willy and Charlie stepped into a glass booth, it was elevated to the wonder of the jaw dropping young members of the audience. The lighting design was an equal partner in creating the wonderment of the show. Sound has to be complimented; the balance between performer and orchestra was flawless. The costumes were in keeping with the Drury Lane production, and the squirrels were very well received. The creative team captured every aspect of the show. Whilst there is so much
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