Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
Based on the book by Roald Dahl
Dramatized by Richard R. George
Directed by John Fraissinet
The adventure continues! In Roald Dahl’s sequel to “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket pick up the story right where it ended… in the sky in a Glass Elevator. Chaos ensues as astronauts, a pompous head-of-state, and even space aliens challenge the gang’s return to the Chocolate Factory.
Auditions: Monday, June 18th 7:30pm and Thursday June 21st at 7:30pm (callbacks if necessary will be Sunday June 24th at 7:00pm)
Performances: Sept 29, 30, Oct 6, 7 – Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm and 3:30pm
The play utilizes the core characters from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” — Willy Wonka, Charlie and Grandpa Joe, along with astronauts and a royal entourage. In some cases, accents are suggested, but fun creative actors are more desired than accents. The number of actors may be expanded based on the makeup of those who audition. All ages are suggested not absolute.
Rehearsals will be light in July generally on Sundays and Wednesdays, August and September rehearsals are expected to be Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. It is understood that some people may have variable availability during the summer that restrict their schedules. It is possible rehearsal days might change based on availability. Tech week is the week of Sept 23rd with performances on September 29th, 30th and October 6th and 7th.
Character Breakdown
Narrator 1 (male or female, 18+) – Cheery, bright and friendly. Interacts with the audience.
Narrator 2 (male or female, 18+) – Gruff, direct, annoyed, slobby.
Willy Wonka (male, 30+) – odd, distracted, independent, has a flair, slapstick possibilities, able to speak jibberish
Charlie (male or female, 10-18) – sincere, sweet, adventurous, capable.
Grandpa Joe (male, 40+ to play 80+) – enthusiastic, spirited, agile enough to be able to simulate weightlessness
Shuckworth (male or female, 18-40) – Astronaut, sincere, frequently amazed
Ground Control (male or female, 18-60) – cynical, in charge, but confused, a bit of a geek
Queen (female, 30-65) – think Queen Elizabeth, regal, take charge but insecure, used to being deferred to, English accent preferred, Puppeteer skills a plus
Miss Tibbs (male or female, 40+ to play 90s) – Nanny to the Queen still calling the shots, bossy
Prince (male, 40-60) – think Prince Philip, Queen’s husband but juvenile in spirit, fond of exploding things
Chief Interpreter (male or female, 25+) – distinguished, knowledgeable, but confused (may be doubled with James Blonde)
James Blonde (male, 25-50) – chief spy, debonair, wise (may be doubled with Chief Interpreter), English accent preferred
Russian President – (male, 35-60) – Sly, charming, Russian accent preferred (may be doubled with Narrator 2)
There is the possibility of an additional audition call in August specifically for 3-5 children or shorter people to play Oompa Loompas (who will sing a short song and do a dance number) and Vernacious Knids (aliens who inhabit space). Those auditioning for Charlie at the June auditions will be considered for these roles.
