Interview: 7 Questions with CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY's Amanda Rose

The long-time favorite story of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY has been playing over a week at the Orpheum stage in Minneapolis but there's still plenty of time to see the show. Use your "pure imagination," gather the kids (or just a friend) and jump into the world of little Charlie Bucket as he meets the characters at Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. And, at home, his mom, played by Amanda Rose, is there to ground him in "what's right and good." Rose has been seen on Broadway and other national tours in roles such as Laurey in OKLAHOMA! and Nessarose in WICKED. (Detailed bio below.)

This edition is a swerve from the usual 6 Questions & a Plug and we're going with 7 Questions. OK, that's not too different! Rose took time to answer those 7 Questions while on tour.

This national tour of the latest Broadway version of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is a more contemporary version of Roald Dahl's original story. Can you tell readers about the story and what they can expect?

Yes, it is a somewhat updated version of the story. For example, there are references to modern technology and pop culture staples like Instagram and hashtags, but what I love is that the timelessness of the story is still there. Instead of going back in time to hear and see this story as it was when it was written, we get to bring the story to us. I think it makes it a bit more relevant for today's kids. While it's great that those changes have been implemented, the original heart of the story is still there, and I love that.

From reading about the variations in the musical, it looks like Mrs. Bucket has a heavier role with her husband gone and taking care of four bedridden grandparents in this version. What is your character, Mrs. Bucket, like and what adventures do you have on stage?

Mrs. Bucket has had a hard life in our story. She's a single mom with a lot of responsibility and not a lot of opportunity, and yet she has made the absolute best of the situation. She is always positive and always trying to keep Charlie on the path to what is right and good. I love the direction that I have gotten from Jack O'Brien to keep striving to find the positive. It makes it interesting. It would be very easy to play this character as a pitiful, depressed woman who gets defeated every time she hits another obstacle in life, but instead, we try to make her a strong and motivated household leader with momentary glimpses of frustration.

As for adventures on stage, there's never a dull moment when you're working with kids. Our three boys who play Charlie are all so amazing and fun and HILARIOUS. Every night is an adventure! We all love trying to make each other laugh.

The descriptions of the show are fairly dark -- is this show appropriate for children to see, and what ages is it recommended for? Or is it handled with a lighter touch that keeps it more family friendly?

Oh it's the perfect show for kids! Actually, when I first saw this on Broadway it was during a student matinee. The entire auditorium was filled with middle schoolers. I think hearing them love the show was even better than watching it. Yes, there are several moments of "dark' humor. While I was a little nervous about how the kids would handle it, I realized quickly that it's just edgy enough to make them howl with laughter and disbelief that these things were happening on stage. The "dark" stuff is just dangerous enough for a 10-year-old to feel completely submersed in a world of imagination.

What are your favorite songs/numbers in the show, and why?

Well, definitely the classics from the original movie--"Pure Imagination," "Candy Man," The "Oompas" song--but there are several newly composed songs in our show that are just fantastic. The song I get to sing ("If Your Father Was Here") is beautiful and moving and I LOVE singing it every night. Also, there is a song at the end of the show between Willy Wonka and Charlie called "The View From Here" that I love hearing every night. It has a beautiful message and it brings a new level to the character of Willy Wonka where he is really able to show his heart and passion.

You have a great resume including WICKED, HOLIDAY INN and OKLAHOMA! Just from Broadway and national tours. What has been your best experience as an actor thus far (any role), and why?

That's so hard to pick just one! Being a part of WICKED was an absolute dream come true. OKLAHOMA! was the role of a lifetime for me since I got to dance Susan Stroman choreography but also sing that incredible score. HOLIDAY INN gave me the most fulfilling, magical day as an understudy "thrown on" with out much notice or rehearsal and having the TIME OF MY LIFE on a Broadway stage. I guess I have been incredibly lucky to have experienced many amazing show moments in my career. Roles like Louise in GYPSY, Ellen in MISS SAIGON, Kristine in A CHORUS LINE have been highlights, to name a few. I just love musical theatre. Every time I get a role, it feels like a gift. That's so cheesy but I'm truly so grateful for every chance I get because I worked so hard to get here and I know it won't last forever.

What roles have you yet to play that are bucket list items for you as an actor?

SOOOOO MANY. All the classics but especially Marian in THE MUSIC MAN and Magnolia in SHOWBOAT. I would love to do THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, anything in COME FROM AWAY, NEXT TO NORMAL, INTO THE WOODS, CHICAGO...........this list could go on for days.

Please talk a little about what it's like to be on this show's tour; what's an average day like for you, and do you see the cities you visit?

I LOVE touring. I love travelling and seeing the country. An average day starts late because sleep is very important for me. It's my number one priority because lack of sleep really affects my voice. I try to work out a little (but I should try harder), and then I might go see a tourist attraction like a good museum or a park or A GIANT MALL WITH A THEME PARK IN IT (so fun). Sometimes we have rehearsals, but if not, then I try to always warm up about two hours before a show (vocal and physical warm up). Sadly, warming up on tour means half the hotel hears you screeching for 20 minutes but it has to be done. Then I have dinner and go to the theatre to get ready. I'm pretty boring. But part of the job is making sure you stay healthy and rested in order to always give your best to a paying audience. Sometimes that means I can't do ALL the fun stuff. But I'm OK with the sacrifices because the show is more important to me.

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CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY plays in Minneapolis at the Orpheum through March 17. More information and tickets.

Bio:
Amanda Rose (Mrs. Bucket). Broadway/National tours: Holiday Inn (Linda u/s), Wicked (Nessarose), Dr Dolittle starring Tommy Tune, Oklahoma! (Laurey). Off-Bway: Dear Jane, a play (Jane). Favorite recent regional: Gypsy (Louise) Pittsburgh CLO, 9 to 5 (Judy) Walnut St, A Chorus Line (Kristine) Papermill Playhouse, Sunset Blvd. (Betty)PCLO/Fulton, Miss Saigon (Ellen) Ogunquit Playhouse, Curtains (Nikki) Papermill. Big thanks to DGRW and Rachel Hoffman. @amandarose_nyc Amanda-Rose.net

Photo:
Amanda Rose, courtesy of the artist.