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A story that sparked the imaginations of children across the globe will soon be getting its own production on Broadway. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is expected to debut in the spring of 2017. It is based on British author Roald Dahl’s children’s book of the same name. The 2017 production will be led by a tandem of seasoned Broadway veterans: three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien (director) and Emmy award winner Joshua Bergasse (choreographer). The musical has had continued success in London’s West End since 2013, and still holds the record for highest weekly gross in West End’s history at £1,080,260.
The show will also incorporate songs from the 1971 cult classic film adaptation Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. In a statement, director O’Brien said that “the score will pay homage to the beloved Leslie Bricusse/ Anthony Newley songs that are integral to the American relationship to the story, combined with all new songs crafted by the American team that created one of Broadway’s most beloved scores.”
The team O’Brien mentions consists of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, co- writers of the highly acclaimed musical Hairspray. Although the show is still a year away from debuting and the cast hasn’t even been set yet, Broadway is still buzzing over Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a show that will undoubtedly become an instant hit.
-by James Baginski