THEATRE + COMEDY

Willy Wonka and all his wackiness are coming to Main Street Theater! Based on the legendary book by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will play Saturdays at 1pm and 4pm from April 17 – May 15 (no performances May 8). Performances are at Main Street Theater–Chelsea Market, 4617 Montrose Boulevard in the Museum District.

Oompa – Loompas, Golden tickets, and candy bars! Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a magical fantasy where dreams really do come true. Travel through the wacky (and top secret, shhh!) world of jelly bean stalks, chocolate rivers and hair toffee. Join Charlie, Willy Wonka and all the others in their dazzling adventures through the Chocolate Factory, a journey which celebrates the endless possibilities in life.

About Author Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl was born in Landaff, Wales on September 13, 1916. He had 5 children of his own, and he said that if he hadn’t had children, “I would not have written books for children, nor would I have been capable of doing so.” His children’s tales evolved from bedtime stories we made up for his own children.

Roald Dahl very much believed in the importance of reading. “I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.” Dahl also said, “I’m probably more pleased with my children’s books than with my adult short stories. Children’s books are harder to write. It’s tougher to keep a child interested because a child doesn’t have the concentration of an adult. The child knows the television is in the next room. It’s tough to hold a child [‘s attention], but it’s a lovely thing to try to do.”
Some of Dahl’s most popular children’s books include James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Charlie and the Glass Elevator.

Mr. Dahl died on November 23, 1990. He was 74.

About the Production
Daria James directs Charlie… after directing Afternoon of the Elves earlier this season at Main Street. Matt Tramel (The Reluctant Dragon, A Little House Christmas) plays Willy Wonka; George Harris (Bud, Not Buddy) is Charlie. The rest of the cast includes Meghan C. Hakes, Alan Hall, Katie Harrison, Jessica Knapp, Jovan Jackson, Richard Solis, and Josh Taylor.

The design team includes Liz Freese (set design), Frank Vela (lighting design), Macy Perrone (costume design), Shawn W. St. John (sound design), and Richard Solis (properties design). Caroline Scott is the Production Stage Manager.

Recommended for First Grade and up. No children under 3 are admitted in the theater (including sleeping babies).

Pictured is Matt Tramel as Willy Wonka. (photo by www.RicOrnelProductions.com).