My children and I were invited to press night of the musical production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco and I could not say yes to the invite fast enough.
The book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl holds a special place in my heart. A beloved teacher read that book to my class in elementary school and the sound of his voice reading that magnificent book is one of my fondest childhood memories. And the movie with Gene Wilder is also a favorite. The one with Johnny Depp I could do without.
So how was the show? I have thoughts and so do my kids.
What I didn’t like:
Photo credit: Joan Marcus
Some of the characters got an update, which would be fine except that some of the updates are lazy and a tad stereotypical. For example, Veruca Salt is now a bratty ballerina – not sure why she needed the ballerina update other than she’s Russian. Then there’s Mr. Beuregarde and his daughter Violet who are played by two very talented Black actors (David Samuel and Brynn Williams). Here comes my restrained rant …
Can someone please tell me why, oh why, the characters played by Black actors have to get a hip-hop/pop update? It’s just plain lazy if not offensive. Just makes me wonder what they would have done if the roles got a Latinx update. I’m thinking Violet would be Violeta and somehow piñatas and maracas would come into play. Representation matters and I always want more of it, but can we pretty please be more thoughtful about it?
What I did like:
I adored the Oompa Loompas – created by a melding of the ensemble players’ actual faces with puppet bodies designed by Basil Twist– so much that I wish they would get their very own spin-off play. In my opinion, they were the most delightful and imaginative part of the production.
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What my kids thought:
They loved the dancing.
My 10-year-old felt that the moment when Charlie Bucket finally got a golden ticket was underwhelming. Her exact words were, “Something was missing when Charlie got the ticket. It wasn’t exciting.” She’s not wrong.
Both of my children enjoyed the second act much more than the first act. I wholeheartedly agree.
On a scale of 1 to 5, both of my kids give the show a 4. I give it a 3.5-ish.
Here’s the thing:
Even though I did not love the show as much as I love the book or the first movie, I’m still glad I got to see it with my kids. The whole experience of going to the theatre and watching live human beings perform always gives me the feels.
In conclusion:
Did we have a good time? Yes.
Am I glad we went? Yes.
Was the show perfect? No.
Are the memories we created perfect? Yes.
For me going to the show with my kids was a win because the entire experience was perfect even if the show wasn’t. When we think back on the evening, we won’t remember the flaws in the show, we’ll just remember that we had a great time together. These are the kind of memories that I’m trying to create with my kids.
One more thing:
Pro mom tip: Go to a matinee if you are going with younger kids. My 8-year-old had a hard time staying up so late and was grouchy AF the next morning.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
Golden Gate Theatre
(888) 746-1799
www.shnsf.com
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