The musical “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” starring Koichi Domoto of KinKi Kids will be performed at the Imperial Theater in Tokyo in October, Hakataza in Fukuoka in January 2024, and Osaka Festival Hall in January and February. has decided.
What is “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”?
Since its publication in 1964, Roald Dahl’s original novel The Secret of the Chocolate Factory has long been a worldwide bestseller in children’s literature.
At Willy Wonka’s factory, Wonka chocolate, loved by children around the world, was produced, but the production process was kept secret. One day, Wonka declares that only 5 of his Wonka chocolates sold in the world will contain golden tickets. Children who get tickets will be invited to the factory, and one of them will get a nice reward… Five children and their families are invited to the factory, guided by Wonka, for an incredible and surprising experience.
It was made into a movie twice in 1971 and 2005, the latter being directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp. It will be the premiere of the Japanese version of the musical version.
Musical “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
The musical premiered at the West End Theater Royal, Drury Lane in June 2013. In December 2013, it set a West End record for weekly ticket sales.
After that, it will be a long-running performance until January 2017. Winner of the 2014 Lawrence Olivier Award for Best Costume Design and Best Lighting Design. It was nominated for Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical, Best Supporting Actor in a Musical, Best Set Design, and Best Choreography.
Since April 2017, it has been reorganized and performed at the Lunt Fontanne Theater on Broadway in the United States, and has since toured the United States, Australia, etc., and is currently being toured in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Koichi Domoto, new musical challenge for the first time in 5 years
This time, it is Domoto who plays the role of Willy Wonka. For Domoto, who continues to update the number one musical solo starring record in the “SHOCK” series, it will be the first new musical challenge in five years since “Knight’s Tale” premiered in 2018.
In addition, the Japanese version of the creative staff, who are challenging with new expressions, are full of members who participated in the Teigeki work for the first time. Wally Kinoshita, who directed the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and received favorable reviews from all over the world, will be in charge of the translation and direction of the Japanese version of the play.
The lyrics have been translated by Mori, who has written many hit songs that transcend genres, and in recent years has worked on writing, writing, and producing original musical works. Yukinojo is in charge. The choreographers are YOSHIE, who has won many champions not only in Japan but also in the world’s street dance battles for many years, and has choreographed many of Domoto’s songs, and JAZZ dancers who are recognized by everyone. Hope Naoko Matsuda, who has been attracting attention for her musical choreography in recent years, will make her first appearance in a stage work at Teigeki.
In addition, a new “art direction” has been set up to supervise the visual aspect of this work, such as art and costumes. Sebastian Masuda, who is globally acclaimed as an artist representing Japan’s kawaii culture and who embodies the unique and colorful Tokyo through his works, is in charge.
Koichi Domoto talks about his thoughts on the new musical for the first time in five years
Regarding this work, Domoto said, “It will be the first new musical in five years since ‘Knight’s Tale’ in 2018.” (laughs)”
“We had the chance to meet new staff members, and we had to figure out how to make the role of Wonka more appealing, and what kind of atmosphere we should create for the Japanese version… The visuals that we are delivering this time are the culmination of the wonderful staff. It is reflected in the work,” and revealed his thoughts on the work, saying, “It is a great honor for me to wear it.” (modelpress editorial department)
Comment from Koichi Domoto (role of Willy Wonka)
The Japanese premiere of the musical “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” has been decided. I play Willy Wonka, the factory manager. It will be the first new musical in five years since 2018’s “Knight’s Tale”. The Japanese version will be directed by Mr. Wally Kinoshita.
(After the shoot) Even if it’s make-up… there were too many things I didn’t get used to… I’m tired (laughs). We had the chance to meet the new staff members, and we had to figure out how to make the role of Wonka more attractive, and what kind of atmosphere we should create for the Japanese version… The visuals we’re presenting this time are the culmination of the wonderful staff. It is shown. It’s a great honor for me to wear it.
It will be performed at the Imperial Theater in October, and at Fukuoka Hakataza and Osaka Festival Hall from January to February 2024. Please look forward to it!