WONKA

[rlbgbc]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 9:35am

Last night, I dug out my DVD of WILLY WONKA, and was watching it. Call me a sentimental fool, but when CHarlie wins the factory in the Wonka-vator, I always get a little teary.

But it got me to thinking -- has there ever been any talk about doing a stage version of WILLY WONKA? I will say on the record that I don't think it would work, but then again, that's never been a criteria (almost) when people are thinking of stage versions of movie musicals.

Yours,

Veruca Salt

[sharon1]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 9:39am

I think it could work wonderfully with the right production crew and choreography

Posted: 9/25/03 at 9:44am

They could get the set designer that did Hairspray.
I think it would be a neat production. They just have to do it carefully as many of us who grew up on it will be upset if they totally ruined it.

[alterego]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 9:49am

Well they could keep the two good songs they already have, Candyman and Pure Imagination ang get Leslie Bricuse who wrote them (with the late Anthony Newley) to do a few more. He is still active having only a few years ago written new music for the stage version of Doctor Dolittle, not to be confused with the awful Eddie Murphy vehicle.

Posted: 9/25/03 at 10:02am

...and do not forget that Leslie wrote some music with Frank Wildhorn too.

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 10:13am

As long as there is a chocolate waterfall, some umpa-lumpas (sp?), and the song "Pure Imagination", I'm happy

Posted: 9/25/03 at 11:10am

I recently watched my dvd of Willy Wonka and I was floored when I finally realized that the man who did the lyrics also did lyrics for Frank Wildhorn! No wonder I love the music so much.

A stage show would be very cool...if they can do Seussical they should be able to do Willy Wonka...minus the Cheer Up Charlie song (ugh...I fast forward throught that part).

BUT! I have one question and if you have the dvd you'll be able to see it better. I just noticed this and maybe it's my eyes, but my boyfriend said he noticed it to. Ok, the scene where you're first in the candy store, during The Candyman song...there is a girl with black glasses in a green dress with stripes (I think) and the guy who is singing the song is behind her and I think either she spins the stool she's sitting on or he is, but she kind of bends a bit and I swear I saw bare buns under that dress of hers :cP I was just wondering if anyone has ever noticed that before?

:c)

[robbiej]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 11:15am

Do I think there could be a stage musical version of this classic? Yes.

But I would prefer a completely new score instead of a carbon copy of the movie. The movie is too perfect to tamper with.

It, like THE PRODUCERS and HAIRSPRAY, should be completely reimagined.

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 11:23am

I fast foward the "Cheer Up Charlie" part too.

[Starlight]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 11:55am

Ugh...no, no, no!!!! I absolutely hate this movie.

[Craig]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 11:58am

I don't fast forward through that particular song anymore. Yes it stops the action cold.. but if you really listen to it, it's actually a very beautiful song...

But don't get me started on Willy Wonka, because there are so many in jokes and things I have noticed over the years in relation to the plot.. for example..

Did you ever notice that Willy Wonka must have known he'd lose a child in the chocolate river before they boarded the boat, because when they all get IN the boat, there isn't room for Augustus and his mother.. all the seats are taken.. MOVIE MISTAKE, or on purpose.. be the judge lol

[rlbgbc]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 12:06pm

If you have access to the DVD of WW, you must watch it with the audio commentary turned on. They reunited the 5 kids, now grown, and it's interesting, to say the least. I have a strong suspicion Denise Nickerson (Violet Beauregarde) is watching/commenting with a half empty bottle of wine in her hand. At least she got rid of the gum.

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 12:07pm

There are many mistakes in that movie. LOL
I love finding mistakes in movies. The best has to be The First Wives Club shoe changing thing. Was someone in wardrobe not paying attention?

Or Funny Girl. God, don't let me start counting the mistakes in that movie.....even if it is one of my favorites.

[jckchrstn]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 1:24pm

I had been thinking about this recently as well - what with the proposed remake of the film and all. It would seem the way to do the show is to have a couple of the most familiar songs from the film and some new ones as close to the original as possible (Fans would riot without Candyman and Pure Imagination - though I always loved the one on the Wonka boat - don't remember the name) throw in a fabulous set and a big name for the lead (to keep the producers and tourists happy).
All of the above seems to have worked for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in London. When I saw it the car received the most applause at the curtain call.
If Wonka folows the plan it should do well - and if not - send it on the road like Suessical.

[QueenS]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 1:32pm

There is a stage version of the show available, though it never played in New York. At least there was at one time... I saw a production many years ago and, no, it didn't work very well onstage. Too many changes of scene.

I was a huge fan of the book as a kid and so by the time I finally saw the movie, I was a little disappointed. Since then, I've learned to try and seperate source materials from their adaptations...

[DofB5]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 7:13pm

Bit of trivia--I can't remember her last name but the little girl who turns into a blueberry (real name Denise Richardson(?))was "Amy" on "Dark Shadows".

As far a the boat fitting only the people that were left--Hummm could it be that it was a magic boat that automaticly adjusted it's size?

D

[dotmarie]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 8:03pm

"Cheer Up Charlie" is the funniest song. I...can't watch it without laughing. But my favorite part is when Violet Beauregard blows up like a giant blueberry.

Isn't the guy who played Charlie a dentist now or something?

[Mattio98]

Posted: 9/25/03 at 8:06pm

There actually is a stage version...
check www.mtishows.com

[rlbgbc]

Posted: 9/26/03 at 8:41am

Actually, Peter Ostrum ("Charlie") is now a vet. In the documentary on the DVD, he talks about how he goes into schools to talk to kids about the film...and also how they discuss choices people make as adults. It seems he was offered a 3 picture deal after WONKA wrapped, but he -- not his parents, HE -- turned it down because it wasn't what he really wanted to do with his life.

[lensman55]

Posted: 9/26/03 at 10:13am

>Did you ever notice that Willy Wonka must have known he'd lose >a child in the chocolate river before they boarded the boat, >because when they all get IN the boat, there isn't room for >Augustus and his mother.. all the seats are taken.. MOVIE >MISTAKE, or on purpose.. be the judge lol

Same deal with the Wonka Moble, it only had enough seats for Wonka and four other people.

[lensman55]

Posted: 9/26/03 at 10:15am

>Bit of trivia--I can't remember her last name but the little >girl who turns into a blueberry (real name Denise Richardson
>(?))was "Amy" on "Dark Shadows".

And I was watching Jeopardy, her "father" appeared as a contestant!

[JakeB]

Posted: 9/26/03 at 5:41pm

This would be such a perfect Broadway show. But only Broadway. It has to be big, it has to be special. Don't shun it to a tour :)

[Hello Gorgeous]

Posted: 9/26/03 at 8:36pm

I too fast-forward through "Cheer up Charlie" That part just bores me to tears. As for a WONKA Broadway show, I say go for it! I love that movie, and I think it would make an awesome musical!