Casting Call for "Willy Wonka" Musical Show

(may both be played by same actor or broken into 2 roles) Willy Wonka is an enigmatic character; at once mysterious and mischievous but also charismatic. There are a number of directions to take with Wonka, ranging from Gene Wilder's version in the original film, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, to Johnny Depp's portrayal in the recent film, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, and everything in between. Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: G3

Charlie Bucket is the emotional heart and soul of the musical. The actor performing Charlie should have an unchanged voice and lots of pluck and enthusiasm. Charlie is in nearly every scene, so make sure you are able to handle the demands of a sizable role. Charlie should be a great singer, excellent actor, and hopefully reads as younger onstage. Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: A3

Grandpa Joe is the grandfather we all wish we had when we were Charlie's age. He is caring, patient, sweet, and always reminds Charlie to look on the bright side. Grandpa Joe is kind, funny, and makes a great duo with Charlie. The role sings a bit, but the singing is secondary to the actor's solid acting skills. Vocal range top: Eb5 Vocal range bottom: Bb3

This is a great role for a young person who has a nice voice, and is a natural nurturer. Mr. Bucket performs the number "Think Positive" with Charlie. Vocal range top: C#5 Vocal range bottom: D4

This is a great role for a person who has a nice voice, and is a natural nurturer. Mrs. Bucket sings "Cheer Up, Charlie" with Mr. Bucket and Grandpa Joe. Vocal range top: Db5 Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Charlie's three grandparents are mainly non-singing character roles. Cast performers that are innately interesting, who have good comic timing and are solid actors.

Charlie's three grandparents are mainly non-singing character roles. Cast performers that are innately interesting, who have good comic timing and are solid actors.

Charlie's three grandparents are mainly non-singing character roles. Cast performers that are innately interesting, who have good comic timing and are solid actors.

Phineous is the reporter who announces the winners of the Golden Ticket contest throughout the show. The role requires some singing, requires someone with a great announcer's voice and good stage presence. Vocal range top: C5 Vocal range bottom: B3

Augustus is the overachieving eater. Augustus sings "I Eat More!" along with his mother and Phineous Trout. The song is on the difficult side, but does not need to be sung with a polished pretty voice, in fact, the more character the better. Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: B3

Mrs. Gloop is Augustus' mother who has overindulged her son with food. She accompanies Augustus on the tour of the factory, and sings "I Eat More!" which is one of the more difficult songs in the score for young people. The role requires a character actress who isn't afraid to take positive risks both in her acting and her singing. Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: B3

For this adaptation Mike is not just a TV junky. He is also addicted to video games, the Internet and any other mind-numbing technological device. Mike is bratty, loud and obnoxious. He does not understand the word "no." Mike and Ms. Teavee sing "I See It All On TV" so he should be a reasonable singer, but does not need to be phenomenal. Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: G3

Ms. Teavee is a take on all television moms of the distant past. Think June Cleaver (Leave it to Beaver) or Marion Cunningham (Happy Days) or even Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch). She's perfectly put together and a bit vacant. She sings "I See It All On TV" but does not require a polished voice. Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: B3

Gum chewer extraordinaire, Violet hails from Snellville, Georgia, so it's nice if she has a Southern American accent, but not necessary. Violet should stand in stark contrast to Veruca Salt. Veruca is a wealthy refined brat; Violet is more of a bluecollar, middle class brat. She sings "Chew It" along with Willy Wonka. The song is a tour-de-force for the right voice, perfect for a young lady with a strong voice. Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: G3

Mrs. Beauregard is a teacher of geography and has invested a great deal of hard-earned money on therapy for her gum-chewing daughter, with less than stellar results. The role is virtually non-singing. Her accent should match Violet's and the two should make a good pair onstage. Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: C4

Veruca is wealthy, class-conscious, and completely spoiled. Veruca's solo number "I Want It Now" is deceptively tricky and comes late in the show, and requires a young lady with a strong voice. Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: A3

Mr. Salt's solution to most problems is to buy his way out. He sings very little. Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: C4

James is Charlie's friend from school. He has a few lines and sings the introduction of "The Candy Man" along with Matilda and Charlie. This is a great role for a performer who is newer to the stage. Vocal range top: F#4 Vocal range bottom: A3

Matilda is also a schoolmate of Charlie's, but she's a bit of bully. Matilda has a few lines and sings the introduction of "The Candy Man" along with James and Charlie. Vocal range top: B4 Vocal range bottom: C#4

The squirrels are non-speaking, non-singing roles and you can cast as many as necessary. This is a great part for youngest of auditioners! Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: A3