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Charlie’s Chocolate Factory issues

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Topic: Charlie’s Chocolate Factory issues

Posted By: angelsme
Subject: Charlie’s Chocolate Factory issues
Date 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

Replies:

Posted By: Topper
Date 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

Posted By: Colin
Date 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

Posted By: angelsme
Date 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

Posted By: Nyria
Date 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

Posted By: lt_mou
Date 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.

Posted By: Shatcher
Date 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!