Catch Wonka Mania at The Engeman Theater
By Cindi Sansone-Braff
;)
Matthew Eby (Charlie Bucket) and Sarah Colt (Mrs. Bucket)The John W. Engeman Theater’s latest production, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” is a must-see show for the entire family. The magic begins the moment the mega-talented Cooper Grodin, rocking the role of Willy Wonka, steps out on stage and sings, “The Candy Man,” the signature song written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the 1971 musical fantasy film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.”
The plot revolves around the enigmatic Willy Wonka and his ingenious marketing strategy to open the gates to his secret candy factory–but only to a lucky few who find one of the five Golden Tickets. The winners, Charlie Bucket, a nice boy from a low-income family and four naughty children from wealth and privilege, go on a life-altering journey through Wonka’s wacky world of pure imagination.
;)
Steven Bidwell (Ensemble), Caroline Eby (Ensemble), Zoe Gillis (Ensemble), Howard Pinhasik (Grandpa Joe), Matthew Eby (Charlie Bucket), and Sarah Colt (Mrs. Bucket)This stage musical, with book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, is based on Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Dahl attributed his creative literary genius to a traumatic brain injury he suffered during World War II when his fighter plane crashed.
;)
Matthew Eby (Charlie Bucket);)
Sarah Colt (Mrs. Bucket), Matthew Eby (Charlie Bucket), and Howard Pinhasik (Grandpa Joe)It’s hard to fathom that Dahl wrote this hope-filled, life-confirming, rags-to-riches tale during the most heartbreaking years of his life. Although the seeds of the story had been incubating in his mind for decades, it wasn’t until 1960 that he began writing his first draft of a story entitled “Charlie’s Chocolate Boy.” Sadly, that same year, Dahl’s personal life took a sudden tragic turn when his 4-month-old son suffered a severe brain injury after a New York City cab hit the infant’s stroller. Dahl, a determined and devoted father, dedicated much of his time to his son’s recovery. He was still working on this children’s fantasy novel in 1962 when his seven-year-old daughter, Olivia, contracted measles and died from encephalitis. Dahl fell into a deep depression and was unable to write, but found solace in creating a beautiful garden to surround his daughter’s grave. After a bout of drugs and alcohol, he returned to writing and, in 1964, completed “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” a work that continues to bring boundless joy to millions of people.
The life-affirming themes in this show serve as a morality tale for children of all ages. Being entitled, selfish, and greedy might get us what we want in the short run, but in the larger scheme of life, these vices keep us from experiencing the happiness that comes from giving to others. This show also uses humor to demonstrate the dire consequences of not following safety rules. Most importantly, Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket remind us to use our imaginations to “make something out of nothing.”
;)
Matthew Eby (Charlie Bucket) and Cooper Grodin (Willy Wonka)Although the show teems with meaningful messages, Dahl is never pedantic or preachy; instead, he offers his readers a delicious recipe for living balanced and productive lives. In 1988, two years before his death, Dahl wrote “Matilda,” a children’s novel espousing the evils of disciplining children with an iron fist, whereas, in this seminal work, he warns parents of the detrimental effects of allowing children to run rampant without being properly reprimanded.
What makes Engeman’s production so unforgettable is the way the top-notch cast brought Dahl’s zany characters to life. Matthew Eby aced the role of Charlie Bucket, a kind, generous, grateful, and well-mannered child. Eby showcased his strong vocals throughout the show, and I loved his rendition of “A Letter from Charlie Bucket.” Sarah Colt gave a heartfelt performance as Mrs. Bucket, a self-sacrificing single mom who spends her days caring for her family and her nights working in a laundry. Colt’s beautiful voice was showcased during “If Your Father Were Here.” Howard Pinhasik brought humor and pathos to the role of Grandpa Joe, an avid storyteller and a man who gets a new lease on life when Charlie takes him on the chocolate factory adventure.
Oliver Cirelli had the audience in stitches with his comedic depiction of Augustus Gloop, a greedy and gluttonous boy, and Cáitlín Burke gave a noteworthy performance as Mrs. Gloop. One of the show’s highlights was Cirelli and Burke’s hilarious Bavarian folk dance number, “More of Him to Love.”
Mike Teavee, a cocky kid addicted to the boob tube, was expertly played by Luca Silva, and Molly Samson was convincing as Mike’s mother, a self-absorbed woman who likes to pop prescription pills and hit the bottle.
;)
Cooper Grodin (Willy Wonka)London DelVecchio was outstanding as Veruca Salt, a Russian brat who throws temper tantrums to get her way. DelVecchio stole the show whenever she danced around in her pink tutu and tiara, acting like a spoiled prima ballerina. All decked out in a full-length white fur coat, James Channing, as Veruca’s Russian mob father, got some of the biggest laughs of the evening.
Briahna Gribben gave an award-worthy performance as Violet Beauregard, the Queen of Pop, who seeks fame and fortune as a chewing gum influencer. When she defied Wonka and popped an experimental piece of gum in her mouth, the audience laughed, watching her blow up like an oversized blueberry Zeppelin. Rickens Anantua, a charismatic actor, commanded the stage as Violet’s well-meaning but overindulgent father.
Alternating the children’s roles are Elliot Torbenson as Augustus Gloop, Elyana Faith Randolph as Veruca Salt, Satya Mae Williams as Violet Beauregarde, and Benjamin Corso as Mike Teavee.
Watching all the fantastic special effects used throughout this magical production is worth the price of admission. My favorite scenes featured the Oompa-Loompas, the dancing Little People who act like a Greek chorus playfully chiding the four spoiled children for their unacceptable behaviors.
Brilliantly directed by Drew Humphrey, with upbeat, exuberant choreography by Mandy Modic, the show kept the audience riveted. The rest of the creative team brought their A-game to the show. Kyle Dixon’s exquisitely crafted set, Dustin Cross’s colorful, festive costumes, the expert lighting by John Burkland, and the fantastic sound design by Laura Shubert made this one of the most animated shows you will ever see on any stage.
The talented ensemble includes Cate Benioff, Madeline Benoit, Steven Bidwell, Hero Dela Cruz, Caroline Eby, Zoe Gillis, Katelyn Harold, Alyssa Jacquline, TJ Kubler, Joi D McCoy, Mac Myles, Noah Pierre Pleunik, and Noah Ruebeck.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” a not-to-be-missed holiday treat, runs through December 29, 2024. For a complete show schedule and more information, call 631-261-2900, go to the box office at 250 Main Street, Northport, or visit engemantheater.com.
Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She has a BFA in Theatre from UCONN and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.