Presented in partnership with ATP
What is up with Fortune Falls? I have been seeing things all over Facebook and Twitter about Alberta Theatre Projects’ next show, Fortune Falls. I am intrigued. It is a musical created by Catalyst Theatre from Edmonton and produced by ATP.
The description says that it is about a town called Fortune Falls that has a chocolate factory that shuts down and moves its operations overseas (probably to China). Now, they say that the chocolate factory is called “Mercey Chocolate Factoryâ€, but the trailer for the show (which can watch above) has a sampling of one of the songs and in it, they reference Charlie Bucket, Willy Wonka AND a golden ticket. What does that mean? How does this show tie in with Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory? So, there is that mystery.
Then we have Catalyst Theatre. Catalyst Theatre is amazing. You may have heard of them before. The Edmonton based company has created some of the most visually appealing shows I can remember. They did Nevermore – The Imaginary Life & Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe which I saw at the High Performance Rodeo a few years ago. It was dark, but fun and had a Tim Burton feel to it.
Which takes me back again to Willy Wonka. If you recall, Tim Burton made Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – which was very creepy. Is this show going to be like that? I have no idea, but I would like to find out.
Tim Burton. Musical. Chocolate factory. Lyrics. The links to Willy Wonka don’t end there. I know, what else could there be! Well, what about Edmonton chocolatier JACEK Chocolate Couture making a limited edition Fortune Falls chocolate bar available at performances of the show. You will remember that Willy Wonka Candy Company launched in 1971, coinciding with the release of the first movie.
Now, I am not saying that this –play has any ties to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I don’t know if this factory is supposed to be the same factory that Willy left to Charlie and Grandpa Joe in the story. I don’t know if Charlie gave in hard to capitalism and then moved the company in a shrewd business move. Or if Charlie’s kids took over ownership and drove it into the ground and Fortune Falls is the story of the aftermath. I have no idea.
I clearly plan on finding out though because I am so intrigued. And Catalyst Theatre shows are amazing. So even if there isn’t a tie to Willy, it will still be amazing.
You can find out too. Fortune Falls is playing at Alberta Theatre Projects from October 18 to November 5, 2016.
