What’s better than an Everlasting Gobstopper? How about some “golden tickets” to see Roald Dahl’s beloved “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at San Jose’s Center for the Performing Arts?
The show follows the incredible story told in Dahl’s 1964 novel about Willie Wonka, the original “Candy Man” who invites young Charlie Bucket and some other golden ticket winners on a tour of his mysterious factory. It’s nothing short of a sweet tooth’s dream come true, complete with plenty of wacky cool inventions, the famed great glass elevator and, of course, the Oompa-Loompas.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which premiered in London in 2013 under the direction of Sam Mendes, features great tunes by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley from the 1971 movie “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” including “Pure Imagination,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” and, of course, “The Candy Man” (the latter of which was later covered by Sammy Davis Jr., resulting in a No. 1 pop hit).
There are additional tunes by Grammy- and Tony-winning songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The touring show is directed by Matt Lenz and the book is by acclaimed Scottish playwright David Greig.
The show opens Jan. 18 and runs through Jan. 23. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Jan. 18-20, 8 p.m. Jan. 21, 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 22, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23. Tickets are $38–$103, broadwaysanjose.com.
