Manila theater fans are in for a treat as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Broadway Musical makes its Philippine debut at The Theatre at Solaire from July 8 to 26, 2026, bringing Roald Dahl’s beloved story to life on the local stage for the very first time.
Presented by Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia, in association with GMG Productions and international partners, the spectacular global touring production invites audiences of all ages to step inside Willy Wonka’s magical factory—complete with chocolate rivers, Oompa-Loompas, and a world powered by imagination.
Based on Dahl’s classic novel, the musical follows young Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy from a humble family who wins a coveted golden ticket granting him entry into the mysterious chocolate factory of the eccentric Willy Wonka. What unfolds is a visually dazzling journey filled with larger-than-life characters, mischievous mishaps, and lessons about kindness, greed, and wonder. The stage adaptation seamlessly blends nostalgia with innovation, featuring iconic songs from the 1971 film, such as “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside original music by Grammy and Tony Award-winning composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
Fresh from a sold-out run at Shanghai Culture Square in late 2025, the Manila staging arrives with heightened spectacle tailored for global audiences familiar with big-scale productions. Using cutting-edge hologauze 3D effects, projection mapping, LED screens, and live stage illusions designed by Las Vegas illusionist Tim Clothier, the production transforms the theater into an immersive candy-colored fantasy where the impossible feels thrillingly real.
Director Drew Cipillone shared that the touring version has been refined to push the boundaries of live theater. With reworked pacing and a stronger focus on magic and illusion, the show aims to draw audiences directly into Wonka’s world. “It’s not just something you watch,” he said. “It’s something you experience.”
@lionheartv Daniel Plimpton brings Willy Wonka to life in a special performance during the press launch of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in Manila. #charlieandthechocolatefactorymusical #LionhearTV #RAWRnation #BestOfTiktokPH ♬ original sound – LIONHEARTV
Leading the cast is Cohen Toukatly as Charlie Bucket, whose wide-eyed optimism anchors the story, alongside Daniel Plimpton as Willy Wonka, who brings fresh energy to the iconic role. Plimpton incorporates his tap-dance background into the character, while the choreography by Joshua Bergasse blends classic Broadway style with unexpected influences, from hip-hop to European folk dance.
@lionheartv Special performance by Cohan Toukatly as Charlie Bucket during the Manila press launch of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical. #charlieandthechocolatefactorymusical #LionhearTV #RAWRnation #BestOfTiktokPH ♬ original sound – LIONHEARTV
Beyond the spectacle, the cast emphasizes the musical’s cross-generational appeal. Children see themselves in Charlie’s hopeful innocence, while adults recognize echoes of their own dreams and disappointments in Wonka. Adding a playful local twist, audiences can also expect a surprise moment unique to Manila, when Willy Wonka breaks into song in Filipino.
@lionheartv See Daniel Plimpton and Cohan Toukatly bring “Pure Imagination” to life from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Catch the Broadway tour at The Theatre at Solaire, July 8–26, 2026. #charlieandthechocolatefactorymusical #LionhearTV #RAWRnation #BestOfTiktokPH ♬ original sound – LIONHEARTV
Originally premiering on Broadway in 2017 and later earning two Olivier Awards during its West End run, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has since toured extensively across North America and internationally. The Manila engagement is part of a multi-year global tour spanning Asia, the Middle East, and India, produced by an all-Broadway creative and production team led by original director Jack O’Brien and book writer David Greig.
Early ticket access is available through UnionBank of the Philippines from January 12 to 15 via ticketworld.com.ph, with general ticket sales opening on January 17. (with reports from Lau Balocos)
