Review: ROALD DAHL'S WILLY WONKA at The Carnegie is a Tasty Treat for Kids

Everyone knows and loves the Roald Dahl classic, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The 1971 movie, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, is permanently etched on the minds and in the hearts of a great number of adults - and Tim Burton's 2005 version put a new twist on the classic that has kept this story in the cultural collective memory.

Now, this classic story, Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, is being staged at The Carnegie as a showcase for talented young actors, singers, and dancers. Particular standouts among the children were Christian Arias, who did a comical and well-rendered turn as August Gloop, and hilarious Laura Dinn as Violet Beauregarde. Dain Alan Paige did a wonderful job as the titular character, playing Willy Wonka with a kind, calm (marshmallow-y) center, and Emily Martin as Ms. Teavee was a delight.

The set, designed by Tyler Gabbard, was colorful and eye-catching, and Maggie Perrino's direction and choreography lifted up the children in the cast. It was clear everyone on stage - and in the audience (filled with children) - was having a great time.

Whether you've seen the movie a million times or have never even heard of this chocolate factory where dreams are made in addition to confections (and where some tough lessons are learned), Willy Wonka at The Carnegie will tickle your funny bone, get you tapping your toes, and leave in a world of pure imagination...

There's still time to catch this production; it runs through January 28. Get tickets for the show here:

https://thecarnegie.secure.force.com/ticket#details_a0S61000003eKJ1EAM