Playful Fox Productions is preparing for it’s performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which begins on Saturday, December 21, 2024.
This year, they are taking another popular story to the stage, the story of Willy Wonka’s search for a successor to his world-famous chocolate factory. Featuring a cast of 31 performers of all ages, the show features talent from all over Southwestern Ontario.
“We wanted to make sure we chose a title that would resonate with our audience who saw Beauty and the Beast last year without being confined to the same formula every year. Roald Dahl’s classic story has been loved for decades and speaks to multi generations about family, kindness, and the eventual worry we all face about what we leave behind,” said Marissa Wilson-Fox, Music Director and Producer.
Darien Fox is stepping back onto the stage as he dons the somewhat askew hat of the Candyman himself, Willy Wonka. Fox has had an eventful year playing in multiple cities such roles as the title character in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Prince Eric in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. When asked about the role, Fox spoke about his love for the classic character.
“I think Wonka speaks to children because of his colorfulness and somewhat cooky behavior, but he speaks to adults just as much for what is beneath that. Ultimately, Wonka wants to make sure his legacy is left in the right hands, someone who holds the moral values that he looks up to. It isn’t just about his name living on, but finding someone he believes can be better than he ever was. That’s ultimately been the challenge of this character, apart from the insanely fast song [Strike That, Reverse It] which I now can’t get out of my head,” said Fox.
Charlie Bucket, the aforementioned title character, is one of five golden ticket winners who will take up the test to become Wonka’s successor. He is played by local youth actor, Oscar Bell.
‘Oscar has a natural likability to him’, said Fox of his co-star. ‘From the moment he joined us in Sweeney Todd, he was instantly liked by the cast and crew, winning us over with his energy and maturity to every role he plays. As Charlie, he adopts a more subdued take on the character trying to be an adult with controlled emotions in a very tough world while still very much being a teenager.’
Charlie is flanked by his Grandpa Joe [played by veteran actor Mark Davies] against a cavalcade of performers playing the other Golden Ticket Winners and their parents.
‘The dichotomy between the characters is what moves the show along. The songs are catchy, the characters are flashy, there’s nostalgia in the known hits and the new songs people will hear are complete earworms! If you’re not humming a tune or two a few days later, we will be surprised’, said Fox.
“Our opening number ‘The Candy Man’ will be featuring several hand painted chocolate bars by our cast members”, said Wilson-Fox. “We had a lot of fun coming up with some punny candy and chocolate bar titles based on famous musicals, so definitely keep your eyes open”.
Playful Fox also invited the local community to get involved by offering a chance to create their own chocolate bars to be featured digitally in the show.
“We have had such a positive response, including a large number of students from Crossing All Bridges. We love seeing all the creativity,” said Wilson-Fox.
