How ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ musical reimagines a beloved classic

In the past few years, the Philippines has seen plenty of award-winning musicals make their way to Manila — from Broadway to the West End.

This time, a world of pure imagination lands in the country with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the musical set for a Manila premiere at The Theater at Solaire from July 8 to 26. And there’s much to be excited about.

“This amazing adaptation in live theater will bring our audience’s imagination to life. We’re so thrilled to bring this to you because it is very innovative, with new technology, expanded set design, and actual magic,” said Drew Cipollone, resident director of Broadway Asia, at the press launch on Thursday, January 8.

Cipollone explained that while the musical remains rooted in Roald Dahl’s original children’s story, this Broadway version pushes the boundaries of what can be done on stage.

“We’re absolutely sure that this show will not disappoint,” he added.

IMMERSIVE. This live theater production will use special effects, projection, and illusion to give the show an immersive feel. All photos by Elle Guison/Rappler

Illusion, magic tricks

As the musical’s resident director, Cipollone maintains the artistic integrity of the original 1964 book, while also rethinking how the story can be told on different stages. For him, working on a timeless story means finding ways to make it feel both familiar and new.

The live theater production incorporates beloved songs from the first film, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, including “Pure Imagination” and “The Candy Man,” but more than that are new original songs and different underscoring.

PURE IMAGINATION. Actors Plimpton and Toukatly perform a duet of “Pure Imagination” at the official press launch.

Their creative team also made a few enhancements to the pacing and choreography of the original Broadway production directed by Jack O’Brien.

Daniel Plimpton, who plays Willy Wonka, brings his background in tap dancing to the role, marking the first time audiences will see the character performing this dance style. Plimpton also shared he had to learn illusion and magic tricks for this production, adding a new layer of whimsy to the musical. 

WHIMSICAL. This production will feature a tap dancing Willy Wonka.

“Filipino audiences are very familiar with spectacle and big technical elements, and our production picks up the antics,” Cipollone said when asked about how the musical hopes to capture local audiences.

“Apart from magic, we’re using projection, LED screens, 3D mapping, and physical elements such as bubbles popping out into the auditorium, that will all make this an immersive experience to the audience,” he added.

This new production also features special effects and cutting-edge hologauze 3D technology based on advanced magic principles.

Cipollone also teased some changes in dialogue and slight adjustment to story arcs, promising a version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that feels fresh even to those who think they already know the story.

Willy Wonka, Charlie Bucket come to life

At the heart of the musical are its two central figures: Willy Wonka, the eccentric chocolatier guarding his fantastical world, and Charlie Bucket, the wondrous boy whose kindness ultimately earns him a place within it.

For this global run, Willy Wonka is played by New York-based actor Daniel Plimpton, while the 12-year-old Cohen Toukatly from Texas takes on the role of Charlie Bucket.

Getting their roles was a first time for both — this is Plimpton’s first international tour, and Toukatly’s Broadway debut.

“I have only been doing community theater since 2023. I had recently done Charlie and the Chocolate Factory back at home and a couple of people suggested I audition for the Broadway Asia production,” Toukatly shared in an exclusive interview with Rappler.

When he got the role, Toukatly described it as his “golden ticket” moment, referencing what happens to Charlie in the story.

GOLDEN TICKET. Cohen Toukatly who plays Charlie Bucket poses after performing “I’ve Got A Golden Ticket.”

For Plimpton, auditioning for Willy Wonka confirmed that the role was a perfect fit.

To bring Willy Wonka to life, he grounded the character in his own experiences. He drew from personal moments of excitement, isolation, and vulnerability, then amplified those emotions to match the fun, crazy, and mysterious character we know from the original story and films.

“Being him is like hosting a big party. You get the thrill from having everyone around you, but at the end of it, they do their own things and you feel alone,” Plimpton said.

But as the production moves from city to city, Plimpton said his understanding of Willy Wonka keeps evolving. “It’s always a journey,” he said, noting that the role will grow alongside him as an actor.

A peek into the July show

If you’ve seen any of the three Charlie and the Chocolate Factory films, you might come to the theater thinking you know everything about the story. However, the creatives and cast promise moments worth watching.

WILLY WONKA. Broadway Asia resident director Drew Cipollone, and lead cast Cohen Toukatly and Daniel Plimpton invite Filipinos to watch the show in July.

For instance, both Cipollone and Plimpton highlight the end of Act One as one of their favorite moments: Willy Wonka gets into his element with a grand magical entrance in his iconic outfit.

“It’s such a big Broadway moment filled with magic and all of the actors on stage really give their best for this choreography,” Cipollone said.

It’s why the duet between Willy Wonka and Charlie toward the end of Act Two has become a scene so close to the actors’ hearts, too. Toukatly said this is when audiences see the connection between the two characters. 

CONNECTION. The musical promises both emotional and fun moments for the audience.

“Willy Wonka, not being able to trust the publicity for so long, finally finds that connection in Charlie Bucket. It’s a very intimate moment the audience would love to see,” he added.

On top of these scenes, Cipollone also hinted at an interactive moment where a certain someone will prompt the audience to join for a sing-along. Another hint from Plimpton: It might be a Filipino song.

With magic, music, and even a few surprises for the audience, the show promises a theatrical experience for the books. – Rappler.com 

Tickets will go on sale publicly starting on January 17 at ticketworld.com.ph.