Downing-Gross Celebrates Diversity through the Magic of Willy Wonka
Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Live on the Ella Fitzgerald Theatre Stage - February 8-24th, 2018
Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Live on the Ella Fitzgerald Theatre Stage - February 8-24th, 2018
February 1, 2018 – Newport News, VA
In September of 2017, the New York Times released an article titled "The Real Story Behind Roald Dahl's 'Black Charlie'". The piece references the discarded original draft of his 1964 classic, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, revealing major changes to the characterization and themes of the book. In the article, it is revealed that the iconic author originally intended for the main character, Charlie Bucket, to be African-American. Michelle Gilliam, Director and Cultural Arts Supervisor of Downing-Gross, allowed this article to inspire her vision for the 2018 production of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka.
The cast was chosen based on how well they auditioned - not their race, age, gender, or physical capacities. As a result, the production will have the most inclusive casts to take the Ella Fitzgerald Stage, featuring performers of all ages, races, genders and professions. The cast includes those who serve the Hampton Roads community on a daily basis – from nurses and teachers to a Newport News Councilwoman and a NNPD officer. Also on the cast is a hearing-impaired actor playing an Oompa Loompa, who will be performing the classic songs in American Sign Language. Lastly, both lead characters, Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket, will be played by African-American ladies, putting a unique spin on this classic tale of pure imagination.
Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Live on the Ella Fitzgerald Theatre Stage - February 8-24th, 2018 - Tickets: $10.
For tickets or more information on Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka and other events at Downing-Gross, visit www.downinggross.org or call
757-247-8950.