The Broadway musical Charlie And The Chocolate Factory will make its Malaysian debut this December, showcasing a vibrant adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved 1964 children’s novel. The production is scheduled to run from December 22, 2026, through January 10, 2027, at the newly inaugurated Jeffrey Cheah Performing Arts Centre (JPCAC) in Sunway Square, Bandar Sunway, Selangor.
This staging marks part of a broader Asian tour and will feature performances in the 1,200-seat Grand Theatre at JPCAC, which is hosting multiple international shows as part of its opening season. Tickets are currently available, including early-bird options, offering audiences the opportunity to experience a major overseas production that is infrequently presented in the region.
Originally premiering on Broadway in 2017, the musical ran for over 300 performances before embarking on a four-year tour across North America. It has also enjoyed critical acclaim on London’s West End, where it received two Olivier Awards: Best Costume Design and Best Lighting Design. The Malaysian production is presented by JPCAC in partnership with Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia Company.
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory follows the journey of young Charlie Bucket, who finds a golden ticket granting entry into the magical and mysterious world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The narrative features a variety of enchanting elements such as chocolate rivers, nut-sorting squirrels, and the iconic Oompa-Loompas. The show incorporates visually striking effects and immersive stagecraft aimed at engaging family audiences.
The musical’s score includes memorable songs from the 1971 film adaptation, such as “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got A Golden Ticket,” alongside new compositions by Grammy and Tony Award-winning songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, known for their work on Hairspray and Mary Poppins Returns.
Producers Simone Genatt and Marc Routh of Broadway International Group and Broadway Asia highlighted the production’s innovative use of technology, including cutting-edge special effects and hologauze 3D projections, designed to bring Dahl’s imaginative world to life. They expressed enthusiasm about presenting this immersive experience to Malaysian audiences.
In addition to the Broadway creative team, the production benefits from the expertise of Las Vegas illusion designer Tim Clothier, who is responsible for creating the magical environment of Wonka’s factory that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. The show runs approximately 150 minutes, inclusive of a 20-minute intermission.