Charlie: An Original “Tooth-Tickling, Tongue-Tactical” RCHK Production

By Chloe Ho

The much-anticipated biennial school play has returned, this time with a chocolatey twist. This year’s production, “Charlie,” draws inspiration from Roald Dahl’s novel, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The original story has been adapted into several movies and musicals, following Charlie Bucket, a young child who joins a small group of contest winners touring the magical yet mysterious factory of eccentric candy maker Willy Wonka. Speculations point out that the story is dark and twisted, with some even describing it as a horror movie for children.

In this production, the Performance Arts Department enhanced those themes to create a refreshing twist on the iconic story. Lou Houghton, the head of the theatre department, and drama teacher Giuliana Colarossi, along with the rest of the department, planned and wrote the original script. “Charlie” delves into themes of greed, innocence, and the consequences of indulgence, explored through various characters, transforming the narrative into a thought-provoking experience that resonates with the audience.

“Charlie” marks the first production the Performance Arts Department has undertaken since the COVID-19 pandemic, making it a significant milestone for both the department and the students. It serves as a wonderful opportunity for students to bond and connect, especially after the social gaps created by the pandemic.

In September, all cast members underwent an audition process to help the directors better understand the performers. After a long selection process, Kentaro Kawada from Year 12 and Andrea Chan from Year 7 were respectively cast as Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket. Chan shared how her emotions were flooding when she found out she landed the role of Charlie. Along with the rest of the cast, they rehearsed hard for eight weeks, putting in their all and collaborating closely with fellow cast members to achieve the best results. Chloe Kavanagh, a Year 12 theatre scholar, expressed, "I think teamwork is one of the most important aspects, and we wouldn’t be able to pull off this performance without collaborating with each other. I am so lucky to be a part of this amazing cast and so proud of everyone who put 100% of their efforts into this production."

As the performance dates approached, all cast members dedicated their lunch breaks and after-school hours to rehearsing for the show. Kawada shared that it was challenging at times, stating, "As Wonka, there were lots of lines to memorize, with non-stop monologues from scene to scene to the end of the show, so there was a large amount of workload." However, he added, "The way the entire production was put together, and how the stage directions were carefully planned, made it easy for me to memorize my lines."

Caitlyn Ju, a theatre student from Year 9, shared, “I’m very passionate about drama and acting, and this was a great experience for me to be involved in a large-scale theatre production.” She continued that theatre is special to her as it is where she feels most at home, and she is glad that “Charlie” has provided that for her. The production has also captured the attention of numerous students with an interest in theatre, fostering a vibrant community eager to engage in the performing arts once again.

“Learning how to work as a team with people of all ages is really something that will benefit me in the future. Now I feel more comfortable when working with others and can share my ideas better”, expressed Chan. Adding on to that, Valeria Ng, a year 10 student stated “I’ve never actually performed in a production, which is such a new experience for me. But after the production, I found out how much fun theatre could be,”

For students like Ng, it was their first-ever school production, while for others, it was their last. Year 13 theatre scholars Eva Gilbert and Harry Hollis played Mrs. Gloop and Gamma Joe, respectively. Gilbert shared that “Charlie” was her last school production, and she is grateful to have been able to connect and bond with cast members. Hollis expressed pride in the efforts of the entire cast and noted how he met many incredibly talented actors, which made him feel safe in carrying on the RCHK theatre legacy as a scholar.

On December 9th, 10th, and 11th, RCHK was treated to an extraordinary performance by the cast of “Charlie,” showcasing the remarkable theatrical talents of our school community. The production was spectacular, filled with moments of dark humour and whimsical charm that captivated the audience and immersed them in the fantastical yet eerie world of Willy Wonka's factory. The cast delivered standout performances, bringing to life the eccentric characters and their twisted tales, leaving everyone both entertained and thoughtful.

“Charlie” was a success, becoming one of the highlights of the year for many and marking an amazing end to 2024. “Theatre always has its way of bringing people closer together, and ‘Charlie’ did just that,” said Anna Wheeler, a Year 11 theatre scholar. Ressham, a Year 12 theatre scholar, shared how proud she was of the entire cast and expressed that she was “so happy to have met an amazing cast who I can call family.”

This production not only showcased the incredible talents of the students but also fostered lasting connections and memories, reinforcing the sense of community within the RCHK Performing Arts Department. As the curtain falls on this chapter, the impact of “Charlie” will undoubtedly resonate with everyone involved, inspiring future performers and theatre enthusiasts.