How Karylle Prepared to Play Mrs. Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The actress-singer shares what she learned about motherhood, family, and community while bringing Charlie’s loving mom to life. Young stars Oliver Wong and Cohen Toukatly also reveal what they hope children take away from the show
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has officially opened at the Theatre at Solaire, with Karylle taking on the role of Mrs. Bucket, Charlie’s devoted mother. One of the musical’s most moving moments is her performance of “If Your Father Were Here,” which earned warm applause from the audience during opening night.
Modern Parenting spoke with Karylle, along with young actors Oliver Wong and Cohen Toukatly, who alternate in the role of Charlie Bucket, about the lessons families can take home from the beloved story.
Finding the Heart of Mrs. Bucket
For Karylle, preparing to play Mrs. Bucket meant understanding the strength of a parent doing everything she can for her family. Rather than drawing inspiration from another performance, she found herself reading about the experiences of widowed parents.
“It’s so tough. Because of the internet, there are a lot of people who support those who are widowed. I said, ‘Wow, that’s so interesting.’ But this woman, she doesn’t have that,” she said, referring to Mrs. Bucket.
Although Karylle doesn’t have children of her own, she says years of working with kids onstage and off have helped her connect with the nurturing side of the character.
“It’s fun. And because the chemistry is so nice backstage, even with the crew,” she shared with a smile. “I think it’s nice to be around a lot of kids all the time. So, it’s helpful.”
She adds that each young actor brings something unique to the role of Charlie, making every performance feel fresh and heartfelt.
A Family That Faces Life Together
Mrs. Bucket isn’t just caring for Charlie—she’s also looking after the four grandparents who share their tiny home. For Karylle, that dynamic is one of the musical’s greatest strengths.
“The Buckets, they’re fun people. So there’s always a lot of joking around and that helps make the toughest of days fun,” she said.
Even amid financial struggles, the Bucket family never loses sight of one another.
“She has to take care of them, but they definitely take care of her. Things are okay because they’re all together somehow.”
It’s this message of togetherness that Karylle hopes resonates with parents and families watching the musical.
“No man is an island. You really exist because there is something to learn from the other. There is something to take and something to understand from the other,” she said.
“If we forget, that’s just because life happens. You have to exist in your community, in your society, in your family so that you can remember. We’re allowed to forget as well.”
Bringing Charlie to Life
For Oliver Wong, stepping into Charlie’s shoes has been an exciting journey of discovery.
As one of the newest actors to play the role, he enjoys making the character his own while learning from those who portrayed Charlie before him.
“I think I add a bit of everything,” he said with a smile. “A little bit of me, and I get some stuff from the other Charlies too. I can see how other people do it and think, ‘Oh, I should do it this way.'”
Oliver describes Charlie as kind, caring, and shy—but someone whose warmth shines through, especially when he finally meets Willy Wonka.
Hoping Families Leave With a Smile
For Cohen Toukatly, the magic of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory goes beyond its dazzling sets, music, and special effects.
“I want you to feel the magic that this amazing cast and crew backstage can put on such an amazing show—with all the lights and the music and the dancing and the acting, the chocolate, and just all the fun things that there are to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” he shared.
He hopes families leave the theater inspired—not only by the spectacle but by the story’s heart.
“I just hope when you come, you can see that and really leave the theater with a new perspective… and it just makes you smile because it is truly such an amazing show.”
More than anything, Cohen believes Charlie reminds children that kindness is one of the greatest strengths a person can have.
“I just think the kind and pure-hearted Charlie—the way he’s so respectful and the way that he can shine through even during his hard times… he’s able to stay happy and keep that bright spirit even in a time of despair and sadness.”
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory runs until July 26 at the Theatre at Solaire. For tickets, visit ticketworld.com.ph.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Karylle plays Mrs. Bucket, Charlie Bucket’s loving and devoted mother in the stage musical at the Theatre at Solaire.
Karylle researched the experiences of widowed parents to better understand Mrs. Bucket’s resilience and dedication to her family. She also drew from her years of working with children in theater.
Oliver Wong and Cohen Toukatly alternate in the role of Charlie Bucket, each bringing their own interpretation of the beloved character.
Karylle performs the emotional number “If Your Father Were Here,” one of the musical’s most heartfelt moments.
Mrs. Bucket represents unconditional love, sacrifice, and the strength of family, serving as Charlie’s biggest source of encouragement despite their hardships.
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