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Daniel Plimpton and Cohen Toukatly star in the upcoming musical 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' ABS-CBN News

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Anna Cerezo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767920438974viber_image_2026-01-09_03-37-16-250.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Daniel Plimpton and Cohen Toukatly star in the upcoming musical &#x27;Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.&#x27; ABS-CBN News</div>The upcoming musical “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” promises an immersive stage spectacle that will rival even the audience’s imagination of the beloved story.Making its Manila debut, the production comes to life at The Theatre at Solaire this July.“The attention to detail and the illusion we had specifically for this world tour— It is something that has never been seen in &#x27;Charlie and the Chocolate Factory&#x27; ever. We use projection, LED screens, 3D mapping in the auditorium, it will create beautiful immersive feeling for the audience,” resident director Drew Cipillone teased in an interview held in Paranaque City.Cipillone said the production’s elements — from the smallest details to the grandest moments — were carefully considered to create a whimsical experience that transports audiences to the iconic factory the moment the curtain rises.He added that they hope watching the story unfold leaves a lasting, one-of-a-kind impact on audiences.“I really want them to have an unique experience of the feeling they get seeing it for the first time. The minute they hear and see Wonka, Charlie,  I really hope that feeling stays and carries on. Even the reveal of the Chocolate Room,” the director detailed.“You forget everything. You become a child again and you enjoy it. The sense of wonder and magic, that’s what we want.” Beyond the production design, the characters add to the magic. Daniel Plimpton, who plays Willy Wonka, literally learned magic tricks and illusions from a known company in Las Vegas for the role.“He does these amazing magical tricks. It is actual magic — dancing canes, disappearing canes, things like that,” Cipillone explained. “It was a fourth thing I had to add to my skillset. It was really thrilling. It is really fun. There will be a disappearing act,” Plimpton added. Apart from showcasing his new talent, the actor revealed he will be singing a local song.“The day I debut a new song, I am always nervous because I want to honor the culture. A little bit of grace for singing &#x27;Anak&#x27; or &#x27;Spaghetti.&#x27; Something I will learn for the first time,” he said.  Cohen Toukatly, who portrays Charlie Bucket, said &quot;Charlie and the Chocolate Factory&quot; offers a kind of magic that audiences can only experience live, creating a unique sense of connection that goes beyond films or books.“We interact with you and you feel engaged throughout the show. You are at the edge of your seat. You are so involved and you are part of the story line. You are in the show with us,” he enthused.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The New Musical,” promises an immersive stage spectacle will rival even the audience’s imagination of the beloved story.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The New Musical,” promises an immersive stage spectacle will rival even the audience’s imagination of the beloved story.

'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' musical set to bring immersive stage magic to Manila

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'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' musical set to bring immersive stage magic to Manila

Anna Cerezo,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 09, 2026 09:16 AM PHT

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Updated January 09, 2026 11:36 AM PHT

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Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

Solaire

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