Meet the Woman Behind Broadway’s Wonka Empori-Yum

There’s a new candy creator overseeing all things edible and splendiferous at Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Broadway. No, Willy Wonka hasn’t hung his top hat just yet, far from it. He’s partnered with Dylan Lauren, owner of Dylan’s Candy Bar, to provide theatergoers with the ultimate sugar rush.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has filled the theater to 100 percent capacity since performances began on March 28. As you get in line to enter the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, you’re greeted by the sound of factory engines, light bulbs that turn on with the push of a button, and visual references to Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book.

Producers have been keen on enhancing all gustatory experiences as well. When you walk into the lobby or the mezzanine to the Wonka Empori-Yum, the array of Whirly Pops, Cotton Candy Tubs, Mega Candy Buttons and gummies immediately fulfills your dream that the candy environment you’re about to see onstage is very real — chocolate lagoon and all. This curation of tasty treasures also includes some unconventional items such as Chocolate Caramel Popcorn, Cake Batter Crunch Popcorn, Peanut Butter and Jelly Chocolate Bars, Vanilla Cupcake with Sprinkles Chocolate Bar and much more.

Dylan Lauren was influenced, she writes, by the “mission to awaken the creative spirit and inner child in everyone” and reinventing the way we experience candy today. Dylan’s Candy Bar has expanded far beyond candy since opening its first store in 2001.

“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory served as the original and biggest inspiration, both personally and professionally,” said Lauren.

This isn’t the first time Lauren has been involved in all things Wonka. In 2015, she collaborated with the Dahl estate to create a limited edition capstone collection in honor of the book’s 50th anniversary. Having seen the West End production, she knew she wanted to take part in creating the sweets once the show came to Broadway.

She ultimately got her chance to add her whimsical touch to the confectionery treats at the Lunt-Fontanne. Like Willy Wonka, she believes that the world should taste good.

“First things first, you need quality ingredients. We work with premium Belgian chocolate as a base for our milk and dark bars. Then we like to have fun with it. Our partner chocolatier is incredibly talented and takes our crazy ideas like pizza or bacon chocolate bars and makes them scrumdiddlyumptious.”

Photo by Joan Marcus

The realness extends beyond the talent onstage and the confections at the concession stands. Ticket holders will have access to the following packages at select Dylan’s Candy Bar stores:

1. Pure Imagination Package
3rd Avenue only, 60 minute experience, reservation required
Your own candy tour specialist
Candy, fudge, and ice cream tastings
Candy trivia and games
Dylan’s Candy Bar water bottle
Personalize a candy fillable for your candy spree
Café reservation for your Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Chocolate River Sundae

2. Candy Man Package
3rd Avenue only, 60-minute experience, reservation required
Personalize a candy fillable for your candy spree
Café reservation for your Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Chocolate River Sundae

3. I Want It Now Package
Union Square only, 30-minute experience, no reservation required
Personalize a candy fillable for your candy spree
Regular ice cream (cone or cup) with unlimited toppings – to go only

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is officially running at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 W. 46th Street).

Follow Dylan’s Candy Bar on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest to stay up to date on the latest products.

Tickets to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are available through Ticketmaster. For more updates, follow the delectable Willy Wonka on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.