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Nostalgia and more in Seattle's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Fun show, loved the Oompa Loompas

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, on tour from its Broadway showing, is the perfect sweet treat in Seattle through Aug 11.

It is a fairly classic retelling of Charlie Bucket and his desire to see inside Willie Wonka's factory. There are all the naughty and greedy children you would expect, as well as the Oompa Loompas, Grandpa Joe, some songs you'll recognize (and many you will not), plus fanciful costumes and a couple special effects that will blow your mind.

Of course a stage adaption of something you have likely seen so many times on the smaller screen will have its limitations. This show is not always a faithful retelling in every scene, but if you can roll with the punches, you and your family will enjoy this night out in Seattle nonetheless.

Especially entertaining was how the show designers featured the Oompa Loompas - I loved the use of live actors and puppetry - by far one of the best parts of the evening. Also worth the ticket is how they recreated the scene with Mike TV. How they shrunk him down is one of the best examples of stage craft I’ve seen.

I also enjoyed Rueby Wood, who played Charlie the night I saw the show. There are three actors playing Charlie, and they rotate night to night.  Wood had a delightful impishness and good timing.  He brought to life the Charlie Bucket we love - the kind dreamer who sees the best in people.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is reated by the same team that produced Hairspray, so you know it is going to be good.

The show is at the Paramount Theatre through August 11th. For tickets or information go online to www.stgpresents.org.

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