WONKA

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

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.

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

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)

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

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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

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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.

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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...