Jack O'Brien May Direct Broadway-Bound Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
(© David Gordon)
A likely upcoming Broadway mounting of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which is currently playing at London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane, is set to be helmed by Tony-winning director Jack O'Brien (The Coast of Utopia), according to London's Daily Mail. As previously announced, O'Brien was rumored to take over for Mendes when Mendes bowed out due to film commitments last month. A transfer, which has not officially announced, is expected to take place during the 2016-17 season.
In addition, The Daily Mail reports that Tony nominee Josh Bergasse (On the Town) will take the choreography reins from Peter Darling, who is reportedly working on Tim Minchin's rumored Groundhog Day musical.
O'Brien collaborated on the musicals Hairspray and Catch Me If You Can with Charlie songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Based on the children's novel by Roald Dahl, the show features a book by David Grieg which tells the story of young Charlie, a poor young man who finds a golden ticket that allows him to visit the mysterious chocolate factory of the even more mysterious Willy Wonka.
Mendes' West End creative team for the production includes Peter Darling (choreography), Nicholas Skilbeck (musical direction), Mark Thompson (scenic and costume design), Paul Pyant (lighting design), Paul Arditti (sound design), and Jon Driscoll (video and projections).
