Karylle and the Cast of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ Share the Lessons Behind the Musical

The international tour of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical” brought Roald Dahl’s beloved story to Manila at The Theatre at Solaire. The production mixed songs from the 1971 film, including “Pure Imagination,” with newer material by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Filipino performer Karylle joined the international company as Mrs. Bucket, Charlie’s mother, alongside young actor Oliver T. Wong as Charlie and Giselle Amarisa Watts as Violet Beauregarde. Speaking with Metro.Style during the Manila run, the cast emphasized that beneath the colorful sets, humor, and spectacle is a story about kindness, humility, imagination, and the courage to dream.

For Karylle, part of the musical’s appeal is its ability to bring generations together. She said longtime fans can rediscover the nostalgia of a story they grew up with, while younger audiences can encounter theater through an accessible family production. Her own takeaway from playing Mrs. Bucket centered on the different ways love can be expressed, including the role of tough love when balanced with care. Wong, meanwhile, pointed to the story’s consequences and the idea that actions eventually come back around. He singled out the final duet, “The View from Here,” as one of the most heartfelt moments of the show. Watts said Violet taught her the opposite lesson of her character’s arrogance: talent matters less if it is not accompanied by humility and consideration for others.

The Manila staging also included Filipino touches woven into the production, while preserving the larger international-tour format that had already played other cities. Solaire officially recommended the show for audiences ages seven and above, with children under three not admitted. Although the run ended on July 26, 2026, the production became one of the year’s notable family theater events in Manila, especially for audiences looking for an introduction to large-scale musical theater. Reviews during the run praised its visual spectacle, family appeal, and playful adaptation of Dahl’s story.

Which lesson from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory resonates most with you—kindness, humility, imagination, or courage to dream?