# **Grand Theatre Invites Audiences into a World of Pure Imagination at *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory*** ![Mark Uhre as Willy Wonka holds up a chocolate bar, in front of a vibrant pink and purple background.](/sites/default/files/styles/hero/public/2023-11/HERO_Charlie.jpg?h=2e916daa&itok=kjetwrzH) Book by David Greig Music by Marc Shaiman Lyrics by Scott Wittman | Marc Shaiman Based on the novel by Roald Dahl Songs from the Motion Picture by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley Directed by Jan Alexandra Smith On the Spriet Stage November 21 – December 24, 2023 Opening November 24 Season Sponsor: **BMO** Title Sponsor: **McCormick Canada** **November 14, 2023 – London ON** – Visions of sugarplums and giant squirrels come to life this holiday season, as the Grand Theatre proudly presents **Roald Dahl's *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory***. The **2-hour-and-30-minute musical**, directed by **Jan Alexandra Smith** and featuring **Mark Uhre** as Willy Wonka, will play on the **Spriet Stage** from **November 21st to December 24th**. The production promises a fresh musical twist on Dahl's beloved novel, while offering an unforgettable holiday experience for audiences of all ages. “Theatre is a place for magic,” exclaims **Grand Theatre Artistic Director**, **Rachel Peake**. “This holiday season I can't imagine a more enchanting production than *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory*. With a timeless story, sumptuous scenic design, and melodies that will lift your spirits, audiences are in for a truly delightful treat, much like Wonka’s Everlasting Gobstopper—leaving you satisfied for weeks.” *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* follows the story of Willy Wonka, the world-famous candy maker, who, after years of silence and secrecy is opening the gates to his mysterious chocolate factory – but only to a lucky few. Among them is the young Charlie Bucket, who joins four other Golden Ticket winners to embark upon a brain boggling, mind mangling, schnozztastic adventure through Wonka’s wild and wonderous world. Chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels, incredible inventions, Oompa-Loompas, and the prize of a lifetime await. After capturing the hearts of Grand audiences, in such roles as Bert (*Mary Poppins*, 2019) and Jamie Wellerstein (*The Last Five Years*, 2010), the multi-talented **Mark Uhre** returns to the Grand Theatre to play the iconic role of **Willy Wonka** in *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory*. Joining him are **a cast of 21** local and Canadian talent – including two young, London actors taking on the shared role of **Charlie Bucket**: **Greyson Reign Armer** (Age 8) and **Neela Noble** (Age 15). Taking the helm as director of *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* is Grand Theatre perennial favourite, **Jan Alexandra Smith**. Joining her on the Artistic team are: **Alexandra Kane** (Musical Director), **Robin Calvert** (Choreographer), **Joseph Abetria** (Costume Designer), **Siobhán Sleath** (Lighting Designer**), Brian Kenny** (Sound Designer), **Cameron Fraser** (Projection Designer), and **Scott Penner** (Set Designer) – who designed the opulent set for the Grand’s box office-breaking production of ***Elf – The Musical*** in 2022***.*** **Skylar Fox**, known for his astonishing illusion work on *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*, also brings his mystifying touch to the production as **Magic and Illusions Designer**. Directed by Sam Mendes, *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* **premiered at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane** (West End London, England) in **June 2013** and ran until **January 2017**. In **2013,** the production broke the record for weekly ticket sales in London. Further, it won two **Laurence Olivier Awards in 2014** for **Best Costume Design** and **Best Lighting Design**. Since then, the production has been produced internationally, including a **Broadway run** at the **Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in 2017.** Hoping to add to the cumulative total that has **surpassed $400,000**, the Grand Theatre is delighted to once again be partnering with the **London Food Bank** for a **seventh consecutive year** through its **Business Cares** program. During the run of *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory*, audience members will hear more about the London Food Bank and its impact within the city of London. Following each performance, there will be a call for monetary donations, with **100% of all proceeds** directed to the Food Bank and the homes of those in need. “Food insecurity is one of the most pressing issues currently facing our city,” remarks **Grand Executive Director, Evan Klassen**. "With so many struggling with the rising cost of food, the Grand is pleased to extend our partnership with the London Food Bank this year to help tackle food insecurity and to give back to the community that we are proud to call home.” *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* plays on the **Spriet Stage** from **November 21st – December 24th, 2023.** Single tickets range from $**23 - $98** (subject to availability) and are available at [www.grandtheatre.com](file:///C:/Users/15198/Downloads/www.grandtheatre.com), by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street. The Grand Theatre’s inaugural **Relaxed Performance** will occur at the **Sunday, December 10th** performance of *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory***.** An **Open Captioned** performance will also be presented on **Saturday, December 2nd at 1:00 p.m. F**inally, up to 150 patrons can enjoy their golden tickets – at whatever price they are comfortable paying – at the **Canada Life Pay-What-You-Can** performance on **Sunday, November 26th** at **1 p.m**. The Grand Theatre gratefully and joyfully acknowledges Season Sponsor **BMO** and *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* Title Sponsor **McCormick Canada.** To learn more about *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory*, please visit: . Additional facts, photos, and updates can also be found by following **@thegrandlondon** and **\#GrandCharlie** on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. The Grand Theatre wishes to acknowledge and honour the original stewards of the land on which our Theatre stands. Gratitude and recognition are extended to the Attawandaron (also known as Neutral), Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapewak peoples for preserving this land where we gather and create art. **About the Grand Theatre – World Curious. London Proud.** In the heart of downtown London, Ontario lies one of Canada’s oldest regional theatres and a leading cultural hub of today: the Grand Theatre. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Rachel Peake, and Executive Director Evan Klassen, the Grand proudly presents diverse, relevant, and original stories from around the globe – and around the corner – on its two stages. The not-for-profit theatre is committed to developing, producing, and premiering original stories through its COMPASS New Play Development program. Further, the Grand Theatre is an ardent supporter of educational programming, as demonstrated through initiatives like the High School Project and Subsidized Student Matinees. For more information, visit: grandtheatre.com. Follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheGrandLondon), [X](https://twitter.com/thegrandlondon), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thegrandlondon/?hl=en), [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGrandTheatre),[ LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-grand-theatre/), and [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@thegrandlondon?lang=en). **For more information please contact:** Caitlin Core, Communications Manager ccore \[at\] grandtheatre.com (ccore\[at\]grandtheatre\[dot\]com) 519-672-9030 ext. 266 ## MEDIA CALL **When:** Tuesday, November 21 at 1:00 p.m. (Cameras, please arrive at 12:30 p.m. to set up) **Where:** Spriet Stage, Grand Theatre, 471 Richmond Street, London, Ontario **What:** *Charlie and the Chocolate Factory* photo, video, and interview opportunities for media # **CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY** ## CAST Charlie Bucket - Greyson Reign Armer Ensemble - Matthew Armet Ensemble - Kih Becke Mrs. Green/ Mrs. Teavee - Meg Buchanan-Lunn Grandma Georgina/Mrs. Gloop - Krystle Chance Mr. Beauregarde - Aadin Church Grandma Josephine - Barbara Fulton Augustus Gloop - Nathanael Judah Jerry Jubilee - Christopher Lucas Cherry Sunday - Amanda Lundgren Violet Beauregarde - Mikela Marcellin Ensemble/Associate Choreographer - Jamie Murray\* Charlie Bucket - Neela Noble Veruca Salt - Nicole Norsworthy Mrs. Bucket - Melissa Mackenzie Mike Teavee - Elena "Elm" Reyes Grandpa George/Mr. Salt - Salvatore Scozzari Ensemble - Julius Sermonia Ensemble - Michele Shuster Grandpa Joe - David Talbot Willy Wonka - Mark Uhre \*Dance Captain ## UNDERSTUDIES Willy Wonka - Matthew Armet Grandma Josephine/Cherry/Violet - Kih Becke Standby (Grandpa Joe, George, Mr. Salt) - Jeff Culbert Mrs. Green/Mrs. Teavee - Barbara Fulton Mr. Beauregarde - Christopher Lucas Mrs. Bucket - Amanda Lundgren Veruca Salt - Jamie Murray Mike Teavee/Augustus Gloop/Jerry - Julius Sermonia Grandma Georgina/Mrs. Gloop - Michele Shuster ## CREATIVE TEAM Director - Jan Alexandra Smith Music Director - Alexandra Kane Choreographer - Robin Calvert Set Designer - Scott Penner\* Costume Designer - Joseph Abetria Lighting Designer - Siobhán Sleath\* Sound Designer - Brian Kenny\* Projection Designer - Cameron Fraser\* Magic & Illusions Designer - Skylar Fox Creative Consultant - Megan Watson Puppeteering Consultant - Adam Francis Proulx Stage Manager - Kelly Luft Assistant Stage Manager - Jordan Guetter Assistant Stage Manager - Melissa Cameron Apprentice Stage Manager - Jess Gordon Child Supervisor - Cindi Armer-Almeida Child Supervisor - Chrystine Robinson ## ORCHESTRA Conductor - Alexandra Kane Trumpet - Alexa Brown Reeds - Jennifer Cahill-Bedard Keyboard II - Jayne Hysen Percussion - Jasmine Jones-Ball Trombone - Sidnee Mcleod Keyboard I - Andrew Petrasiunas Bass - Kayla Purvess \*Represented by Associated Designers of Canada, IATSE Local ADC659