Dream Casting: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Earlier this week news broke that two-time Tony winner Christian Borle will star as Willy Wonka in the Broadway production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The production is aiming to start performances in March 2017 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.

So far, Borle is the only cast member announced. As anxious as we are to see who will be filling out the rest of the company, we’re busy dreaming up our best cast list for the show. So, here’s the dream casting of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory:

Grandpa Joe: Joel Grey

Joel Grey would be the perfect Grandpa Joe, not just because of the similar names but also because of his great talent. He was last seen on the Great White Way as Moonface Martin in Anything Goes. Before that, he originated the role of The Wizard in Wicked. Other credits include Amos Hart in Chicago and Master of Ceremonies in Cabaret.

Charlie Bucket: Luca Padovan

Currently rocking it out as Billy the stylist in School of Rock, Luca would make a great Charlie! His performance in SOR showcases his pure voice and comedic timing, both of which would be great for this role. He made his Broadway debut as Les in Newsies, but you might recognize him from his performance of “The Schuyler Sisters” at Miscast. You can check it out here!

Mrs. Bucket: Carolee Carmello

Ms. Carmello has quite the Broadway resume, including roles in Tuck Everlasting, Finding Neverland, Scandalous, and The Addams Family. She’s already worked at the Lunt-Fontanne twice, so she’d be returning home for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She has one of the best, most unique voices on Broadway, and we’d love to hear her as Mrs. Bucket!

Augustus Gloop: Evan Grey

Evan is currently playing Bruce in Matilda the Musical at the Shubert Theatre.  While Matilda marks his Broadway debut, he’s been seen in the National Tours of Matilda and A Christmas Story.  We think he’d make a great Augustus!

Veruca Salt: Sydney Lucas

She was nominated for a Tony Award at the age of eleven.  Need we say more?

Violet Beauregard: Isabella Russo

Another band member rocking it out at the Winter Garden in School of Rock, Isabella shines bright as Summer. Her character is adorable and spunky and we think she’d be the perfect choice for Violet. We hope you like chewing gum, Isabella!

Mike Teavee: Oscar Williams

Oscar just finished up his run as Christian  in Fun Home, where his chemistry with the other kids in the cast was superb. We’d love to see him as the TV-loving, slightly-annoying Mike Teavee!

So there you have it, our dream cast for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! We’ll be sure to update you when more casting is announced.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will be directed by Jack O’Brien and choreographed by Joshua Bergasse, with music by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman. Playwright David Grieg will provide the book.

Be sure to check out the production when it begins performances in March at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre!

For more information, click here!