On a limited three weekend engagement at the Solaire Theater, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," a production of the Broadway International Group, brings this much-loved Roald Dahl story to life on the stage, as a reimagined musical. With songs like "The Candy Man" and "Pure Imagination," there’s so much that’s familiar and resonating with this magical musical comedy, and audiences of all ages are going to be charmed.

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was first published in 1964, and is ranked among the most popular of works on the children’s literature genre. In fact, in 2012, Charlie Bucket holding up his Golden Ticket, appeared on a Royal Mail first class postage stamp. The core story has been adapted for three major film releases. "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" starring the late Gene Wilder, was the first in 1971. Then there was Johnny Depp in 2005’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." And most recently, exploring his origins and more of a prequel, there’s Timothée Chalamet’s "Wonka."

Without a doubt, it’s Gene Wilder who still stands as the iconic Wonka portrayal. And its from the popularity of the novel and films that a musical was created, incorporating the songs from the films, and supplemented by new songs by Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittmann, and David Grieg. And its this reincarnation that acts as the backbone of what we watch at the Solaire.

And I purposely use the word backbone, as Production Stage Manager Drew Cippolone is happy to relay to us that every production will add little tweaks to make the host country find something that will endear the staging to them. Here in Manila, wait for the surprise manner in which Charlie will interact with his mother, Mrs. Bucket.

For the Manila run, Michael Dalke portrays Willy Wonka, and acting as alternates for Charlie Bucket are Cohen Toukatly and Oliver Wong, who’s only 10 years of age.

Our very own Karylle will be the young widow Mrs. Bucket, single mother to Charlie. Steve McCoy plays Grandpa Joe, and Giselle Amarisa Watts is Violet Beauregarde.

Cippolone also mentions that the extensive use of CGI, and of AI Technology, add impressive dimensions of magic and illusion to this unique adaptation. No stone has been left unturned to ensure that this will be a once in a lifetime production experience, enhancing the feeling that there’s sorcery and magic going on in the theater.

The Gala night of "Charlie..." was a huge success, the aforementioned element of technology and costume design wizardry adding so much to the production values that one can sit back to enjoy. There’s also a smart interactive element that’s incorporated to make the audience feel like one with the performers.

During the curtain call, the song "Pure Imagination" is brought back, then Wonka exhorts us to join in on the singing of "Candy Man," and the lyrics appear on the background screen.

The Gala audience left the theater humming the tunes, and feeling the bask of a night well spent.