Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Prepare to be swept into a world of wonder and imagination as TCSYC brings this nostalgic favorite to the stage.
Published: 05 July 2023
Photography provided
Be swept into an adventure of whimsy and magic this weekend, as the Toowoomba Choral Society Youth Choir (TCSYC) brings to life the beloved world of Roald Dahl's Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.
One of two major stage productions under the broader Toowoomba Choral Society umbrella annually, what makes this production so unique is the calibre, quality and scale of the the production, a 75-strong cast of performers aged 10 - 17, and that each year they bring together a complete show in the short span of the two-week school holidays – a truly astonishing accomplishment explains Musical Producer, Jaime Thomas.
After exploring the more mature themes of The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 2022, the choice for 2023 was to embrace the family-friendly and well-loved Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Jaime says.
"It's such a well-known and loved story, and the cast are excited about the Oompa Loompas, crazy characters and the fun they can have with this show. . . the kids are incredible. . . as are the superstar creative team. . . [and] seeing everything come together is amazing." It is going to be A LOT of fun!
For the performers and crew, the annual production is an exciting opportunity to showcase their passion and zeal for the arts and to learn about the industry in a fun and hands-on way.
"The key philosophy of TCSYC is that it's all about the kids. They are our why", Jaime explains. "It's about giving them an opportunity to work with some super talented creatives and learn new musical theatre skills, to make friends while doing it, and to work as a team to pull the whole thing together after a [very] short 2-week preparation".
"Having the opportunity to see behind the scenes and the mammoth amount of work that goes into putting a show together. . . the opportunity to perform on stage at the majestic Empire Theatre... it's special. . .and we've seen many young performers who've then gone on to study in the Performing Arts at various universities and now have quite successful careers!"
But it's not just about being on stage; it's about building self-confidence, public speaking skills, and fostering a sense of community among peers, and having children return year after year is perhaps the biggest testament to the positive impact that the TCSYC has. It's also why so many alumni, parents, and local creatives contribute their time and skills to various aspects of the production.
"We're very blessed to have such great people who give back so future generations can experience the joy of performing in a show with TCS. We genuinely couldn't do what we do without our army of volunteers who help with everything from costuming, putting sets together, supervision roles, backstage helpers, food makers - the list goes on", Jaime says.
Their combined efforts result in a performance that is as much a community triumph as it is an artistic one and one that promises to be a whimsical night full of childlike wonder and the limitless power of imagination. Mark your calendars for July 8, and choose between the 2 pm or 7 pm shows for a deliciously magical adventure. Tickets can be found here.
For anyone looking to join the Toowoomba Choral Society, volunteer, or audition for future productions – you can find out more information and keep up to date on their website and socials. The TCS Senior Production of Les Misérables will be on at the Empire Theatre from 7-9 September later this year.
