Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory fans will be able to watch the beloved classic in a whole new way later this year, and we’ve got your first look at some new art from the big production.
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The film will be screened at a special event at November’s Hollywood Bowl, but don’t expect a no-frills experience. Fans will see an all-star cast that includes John Stamos, Elle King, Finn Wolfhard, and Weird Al Yankovic grace the stage as they sing iconic songs from the film. That cast will be accompanied by multi-instrumental band DeVotchKa, and during the show will be delighted by animation and artwork from painter and illustrator Shag, resulting in a one of a kind Wonka experience.
Shag’s artwork can be seen on the projection outlining the theater, which will change will delightful graphics all throughout the production. You can find out more about Shag on his website, and some exclusive artwork is featured in the gallery.
Willy Wonka will also feature Smell-O-Rama, and guests will receive exclusive Scratch-N-Sniff Golden Tickets as well. Other festivities will include a costume contest hosted by Julie Dawn Cole, who played Veruca Salt in the original film, as well as a performance by violin soloist Sandy Cameron and 16-year-old pianist Emily Bear, who will perform the Tom and Jerry short Cat Concerto live to film.
Bringing the show to a close is Annabella Lwin (Bow Wow Wow), who will sing “I Want Candy” as the big finale.
John Stamos plays the part of Willy Wonka and will sing “Pure Imagination“, while Finn Wolfhard (“Stranger Things,” IT) stars as Charlie. Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad,” “Once Upon a Time“) will be in the role of Candy Man, and Richard Kind (“Gotham,” Inside Out) will star as Grandpa Joe. Musician Elle King (“Ex’s & Oh’s”) will perform Veruca Salt’s “I Want It Now,” while Ingrid Michaelson will play the part of Mrs. Bucket. Finally, fan favorite “Weird Al” Yankovic will star as the Oompa Loompas.
You can take a look at what the Willy Wonka extravaganza will look like in the video above, and you can take a look at the exclusive art from Shag in the gallery.
Willy Wonka’s Hollywood Bowl celebration takes place on November 4th, and you can get tickets here.
