Rejoice, theatergoers, nostalgia-lovers, and childhood bookworms alike: If you haven’t already heard the news, Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is coming to Broadway, and soon. Previews start March 28, and the show officially opens on April 23. In the video above, catch a glimpse behind the scenes of the show, and watch director Jack O’Brien comment on the journey to the New York stage.
Spoiler alert: There’s a lot to look forward to. First off, the score comes to us by way of the team behind Hairspray, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The duo developed a bevy of of brand new tunes in addition to key songs (like “Pure Imagination” and “Candy Man”) from the lovably quirky 1971 film.
Christian Borle, best known for NBC’s Smash and for his award-winning performances in Something Rotten and Peter and the Starcatcher, stars as a new sort of Willy Wonka. He’s joined by 35 additional cast members with an impressive stack of accolades between them.
And, there are some details under wraps that you’ll have to get your own golden ticket to experience. Take the set, for instance. While we know that veteran set designer Mark Thompson spearheaded the creative vision, the specifics have been kept closely guarded. The exterior of the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, which has been transformed into the Wonka Chocolate Factory – complete with an Oompa-Loompa-sized door – may be a taste of the level of detail and whimsy to look forward to. Speaking of Oompa-Loompas, the team has kept how the factory workers will be depicted a secret as well.
We do know that the famous Wonka chocolate room, the seemingly idyllic river of molten cocoa we drooled over as kids, will indeed be reimagined for the stage — not a small feat. However tempting, keep the fate of poor Augustus Gloop in mind, and stay seated when you catch the show.
You can purchase tickets to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory here.
This is paid content produced for an advertiser by New York Brand Studio. The editorial staff of Vulture did not play a role in its creation.
