Review Spotlight: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Delights at ACT

Called “pure theatrical fun” by BroadwayWorld critic Theresa Bertram, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is delighting audiences at Argenta Contemporary Theatre.

The production features a cast Bertram describes as “absolutely stacked with A-list local talent,” led by Case Dillard’s “mesmerizing” Willy Wonka—filled with a “playful unpredictability” that brings both magic and humanity to the role. At its heart, she highlights the connection between Wonka and Charlie as

“a beautiful, unspoken connection… about legacy and trust.”

From “big laughs” to moments of genuine warmth, the production delivers both spectacle and heart—grounded in what Bertram describes as a story “full of curiosity and kindness.” Bertram also points to something larger happening at ACT:

“With new leadership led by Coburn Goss as Artistic Director and Jeremy Williams as Executive Director, Argenta Contemporary Theatre is clearly prioritizing connection and collaboration… in a way that feels both intentional and inspiring.”

A Celebration of Community

That sense of connection extends throughout the production. As the review notes, each pairing of characters brings “its own unique flavor of comedy and character work,” reflecting a company built on collaboration and shared craft.

This production brings together artists with deep Arkansas roots, working across generations and disciplines—creating something that feels both joyful and intentional.

That spirit extends into the audience, where each performance becomes a shared experience—filled with laughter, imagination, and what one moment in the show sparked as “everyone buzzing.”

For us, this is what our season theme of Community looks like in practice: people coming together to create—and experience—something meaningful.

Read the full review:

• Review: CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY at Argenta Contemporary Theatre in North Little Rock - This yummy funhouse plays through May 9