Broadway's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory | Talks at Google | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Christian Borle, and Mark Kaufman discuss the history, casting, and creative process behind the Broadway musical "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".

Key Insights

• 👶 The production places an emphasis on both fantasy and dark humor, appealing to both children and adults.
• 😓 The show underwent significant changes when transitioning from London to Broadway, including casting adult actors as the child characters.
• 💯 Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman approach songwriting with meticulous attention to detail, focusing on perfect rhymes and precise syllable placement for comedic effect.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] ALAN SEALES: Please welcome to the stage Willy Wonka himself, Christian Borle, accompanied by songwriter Marc Shaiman. [APPLAUSE] [PIANO MUSIC] CHRISTIAN BORLE: Hello, everyone. Thank you for being here. And thank you all. [SINGING "CANDYMAN"] MARC SHAIMAN: I didn't write this one. CHRISTIAN BORLE: [SINGING "CANDYMAN"] Welcome. Than... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What sparked the idea to turn "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" into a Broadway musical?

Warner Brothers approached Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman to create a musical adaptation of the beloved story.

Q: How did the show evolve from its initial run in London to its Broadway debut?

Due to scheduling conflicts, director Sam Mendes was unable to direct the Broadway version, and the show was retooled under the direction of Jack O'Brien. The production also expanded its repertoire of songs.

Q: Why were the child characters portrayed by adult actors?

The decision to cast adult actors as the child characters allows for more comedic and malevolent storytelling. It also allows for greater vocal range and stage presence.

Q: How does the creative team approach writing songs for the show?

Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman collaborate closely, with Scott conducting research and Mark providing musical direction. They aim to create perfect rhymes and employ precise syllable placement for comedic effect.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The idea to turn "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" into a Broadway musical originated with Warner Brothers, who approached Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the show's songwriters.

• The show initially played in London for four years before being retooled for its Broadway debut.

• The creative team aimed to create a production that appealed to both children and adults, incorporating elements of fantasy and dark humor.