Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Charlie’s Chocolate Factory issues

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angelsme
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Topic: Charlie’s Chocolate Factory issues
Posted: 3/31/05 at 10:49pm

Hi...

Posted this earlier in the wrong area, thought I might get more response here.

Fellow director is searching for a good Charlie and the Chocolate Factory script. Any suggestions? We have found one, by Richard R. George, but it just doesnt suit. Would consider adapting the novel but not sure of the legal hurdles we would have to jump since the book is not in public domain.

Topper was kind enough to suggest looking into Hansens Drama Shop at dramashop.com, but it looks like thats the same script we already have. That script leaves out Slugworth entirely, and simplifies most of the situations and characters far to much. It is also a one act.

The other show we are considering is Alice in Wonderland, the issue there is far too many scripts to consider! Anyone have any experience with an Alice script? Could you lead us to a good one, or help us avoid the poor ones?

If we do find a script we like we could use some ideas on constructing a chocolate river...

Thanks!

Angel

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Topper
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Posted: 4/01/05 at 1:06pm

Sorry I wasn't more help. It sounds like you've got
very specific ideas in mind for your production, and
from the remarks in your posting it does appear
you're trying to adapt the 1971 movie "Willy Wonka
and the Chocolate Factory rather than the book.

Be advised that movie departs from the book in
several areas:

Slugworth does not appear in the stage adaptation
because he is only mentioned briefly in the book as
one of Wonka's competitors (as was Schickelgruber
et al). The movie added Slugworth as a dramatic
device.

Charlie's father is completely absent from the movie
and all the other Golden Ticket winners got to bring
BOTH parents to the factory.

In the original book the Oompa-Loompas are
described as African pygmy-like creatures whom
Wonka has managed to transport the entire
population. (In later printings of the book they are
described as "rosy-cheeked.")

Veruca Salt is dumped down the incinerator chute by
an army of squirrels Wonka has specially trained to
shell the nuts he uses for his candy. (They decide
Veruca is a "bad nut.")

Charlie and Grandpa Joe do not steal Fizzy-Lifting
Drinks and never disobey any rules nor incur
Wonka's wrath. Charlie is awarded possession of
the factory simply by process of elimination.

These differences (among many others) were all
redone for the movie due to budgetary, dramatic, or
political reasons. The new version starring Johnny
Depp and directed by Tim Burton promises to
adhere more closely to the book. As you can
probably tell, I am eagerly awaiting its release.

This may also pose a problem if you decide to adapt
your own script as I'm sure the rights are currently
tied up by the studio that will be releasing the new
film.

Whatever direction you choose, I wish you best of
luck.

"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

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Colin
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Posts: 24

Posted: 4/01/05 at 1:42pm

I was trying to find a better script than the Dramatic Publishing version
myself. Finally I found that MTI handles the musical, based upon the film.
It's called "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." The only
problem is that now the new film version is due out this summer, the
Dahl estate has pulled the rights for two years.
If you're looking for a nice version of "Alice in Wonderland," try the
version at Coachhouse Press. I've used it at Interlochen Center for the
Arts and it accommodates a large cast, but some actors may play more
than one role, if necessary.

Colin Douglas

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angelsme
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Location: United States
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Posted: 4/01/05 at 6:13pm

Thanks for the advice and input.

Its been many years since I read the book and had forgotten some of the differences, particularly the absence of Slugworth. Will encourage the director to reread the book as well.

Will look into the Alice script as well.

Angel

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Nyria
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Posted: 4/02/05 at 3:15pm

For Alice I would go to MTISHOWS.COM - they always have great shows - I think I've read this one and I love it.

I know I did "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (was not called Willy Wonka) years ago - based on the move - complete with the Candyman song. But sorry - I don't know who owns it.

NYRIA

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lt_mou
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Posted: 5/24/05 at 5:48pm

Hello, I'm now trying to make the Willy Wonka film adaptation a reality for my high school's musical next year, but I can't find any info from MTI(I still want to try to get the rights...)

Seeing as we'd be doing this in the Spring of 2006, would it be likely that it'd be a possibility by then? I also can't find any means of contacting or learning about the Dahl estate...

Thanks for any help.

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Shatcher
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Posted: 5/25/05 at 11:50am

Chances are good the rights will not be available for spring 2006 because of the DVD release. If you are adapting the 1970's movie you need to find out who has the rights to the movie as well as the book.

Good Luck!

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Author	Message
angelsme Walk-On Joined: 2/02/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Topic: Charlie’s Chocolate Factory issues Posted: 3/31/05 at 10:49pm
	Hi... Posted this earlier in the wrong area, thought I might get more response here. Fellow director is searching for a good Charlie and the Chocolate Factory script. Any suggestions? We have found one, by Richard R. George, but it just doesnt suit. Would consider adapting the novel but not sure of the legal hurdles we would have to jump since the book is not in public domain. Topper was kind enough to suggest looking into Hansens Drama Shop at dramashop.com, but it looks like thats the same script we already have. That script leaves out Slugworth entirely, and simplifies most of the situations and characters far to much. It is also a one act. The other show we are considering is Alice in Wonderland, the issue there is far too many scripts to consider! Anyone have any experience with an Alice script? Could you lead us to a good one, or help us avoid the poor ones? If we do find a script we like we could use some ideas on constructing a chocolate river... Thanks! Angel

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Topper Celebrity Joined: 1/27/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 543	Posted: 4/01/05 at 1:06pm
	Sorry I wasn't more help. It sounds like you've got very specific ideas in mind for your production, and from the remarks in your posting it does appear you're trying to adapt the 1971 movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory rather than the book. Be advised that movie departs from the book in several areas: Slugworth does not appear in the stage adaptation because he is only mentioned briefly in the book as one of Wonka's competitors (as was Schickelgruber et al). The movie added Slugworth as a dramatic device. Charlie's father is completely absent from the movie and all the other Golden Ticket winners got to bring BOTH parents to the factory. In the original book the Oompa-Loompas are described as African pygmy-like creatures whom Wonka has managed to transport the entire population. (In later printings of the book they are described as "rosy-cheeked.") Veruca Salt is dumped down the incinerator chute by an army of squirrels Wonka has specially trained to shell the nuts he uses for his candy. (They decide Veruca is a "bad nut.") Charlie and Grandpa Joe do not steal Fizzy-Lifting Drinks and never disobey any rules nor incur Wonka's wrath. Charlie is awarded possession of the factory simply by process of elimination. These differences (among many others) were all redone for the movie due to budgetary, dramatic, or political reasons. The new version starring Johnny Depp and directed by Tim Burton promises to adhere more closely to the book. As you can probably tell, I am eagerly awaiting its release. This may also pose a problem if you decide to adapt your own script as I'm sure the rights are currently tied up by the studio that will be releasing the new film. Whatever direction you choose, I wish you best of luck.
	"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone
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Colin Player Joined: 4/01/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 24	Posted: 4/01/05 at 1:42pm
	I was trying to find a better script than the Dramatic Publishing version myself. Finally I found that MTI handles the musical, based upon the film. It's called "Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." The only problem is that now the new film version is due out this summer, the Dahl estate has pulled the rights for two years. If you're looking for a nice version of "Alice in Wonderland," try the version at Coachhouse Press. I've used it at Interlochen Center for the Arts and it accommodates a large cast, but some actors may play more than one role, if necessary.
	Colin Douglas
	IP Logged

angelsme Walk-On Joined: 2/02/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 4/01/05 at 6:13pm
	Thanks for the advice and input. Its been many years since I read the book and had forgotten some of the differences, particularly the absence of Slugworth. Will encourage the director to reread the book as well. Will look into the Alice script as well. Angel
	IP Logged

Nyria Celebrity Joined: 1/20/05 Location: Canada Online Status: Offline Posts: 157	Posted: 4/02/05 at 3:15pm
	For Alice I would go to MTISHOWS.COM - they always have great shows - I think I've read this one and I love it. I know I did "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (was not called Willy Wonka) years ago - based on the move - complete with the Candyman song. But sorry - I don't know who owns it.
	NYRIA
	IP Logged

lt_mou Walk-On Joined: 5/24/05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 5/24/05 at 5:48pm
	Hello, I'm now trying to make the Willy Wonka film adaptation a reality for my high school's musical next year, but I can't find any info from MTI(I still want to try to get the rights...) Seeing as we'd be doing this in the Spring of 2006, would it be likely that it'd be a possibility by then? I also can't find any means of contacting or learning about the Dahl estate... Thanks for any help.
	IP Logged

Shatcher Celebrity Joined: 2/21/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 251	Posted: 5/25/05 at 11:50am
	Chances are good the rights will not be available for spring 2006 because of the DVD release. If you are adapting the 1970's movie you need to find out who has the rights to the movie as well as the book. Good Luck!
	IP Logged

Topic: Charlie’s Chocolate Factory issues( Topic Closed)