Character Descriptions

Below are the Character Descriptions directly from the MTI Licensing website. Please refer to these as needed/interested for information about the show and the characters we will be casting. 

Character Breakdown

Grandma Josephina

Charlie's three grandparents are mainly non-singing character roles. Cast performers that are innately interesting, who have good comic timing and are solid actors. These actors can double as Oompa-Loompas in the second half of the show.

Grandma Georgina

Charlie's three grandparents are mainly non-singing character roles. Cast performers that are innately interesting, who have good comic timing and are solid actors. These actors can double as Oompa-Loompas in the second half of the show.

Grandpa George

Charlie's three grandparents are mainly non-singing character roles. Cast performers that are innately interesting, who have good comic timing and are solid actors. These actors can double as Oompa-Loompas in the second half of the show.

The Candy Man Kids

Sophie, Danny, Alfie, Billie and additional kids as needed are The Candy Man Kids -. These kids sing "The Candy Man".

Oompa-Loompa Chorus

Willy Wonka / Candy Man

Willy Wonka is an enigmatic character; at once mysterious and mischievous but also charismatic. There are a number of directions to take with Wonka, ranging from Gene Wilder's version in the original film, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, to Johnny Depp's portrayal in the recent film, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and everything in between. Pick a young man (or a young woman) who is charismatic, engaging and has a great voice (in the case of a young man, preferably a changed voice). The actor should be able to be funny and serious and change between the two on a dime. It is preferred that Wonka double as the Candy Man, as it helps reinforce that Wonka has staged the Golden Ticket competition and is somewhat controlling this contest along the way.

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: G3

Phineous Trout

Phineous is the reporter who announces the winners of the Golden Ticket contest throughout the show. The role requires some singing, and can be played by either a boy or a girl. 

Mrs. Gloop

Mrs. Gloop is Augustus' mother who has overindulged her son with food. The role requires a character actress who isn't afraid to take positive risks both in her acting and her singing.

Violet Beauregarde

Gum chewer extraordinaire, Violet hails from Snellville, Georgia, so it's nice if she has a Southern American accent, but not necessary. Violet should stand in stark contrast to Veruca Salt. Veruca is a wealthy refined brat; Violet is more of a blue-collar, middle-class brat. 

Vocal range top: Db5

Vocal range bottom: C4

Matilda

Matilda is also a schoolmate of Charlie's, but she's a bit of bully. Matilda has a few lines and sings the introduction of "The Candy Man" along with James and Charlie.

Vocal range top: B4

Vocal range bottom: C#4

Candy Man

The Candy Man goes from neighborhood to neighborhood selling candy, much like an ice cream truck. He should be pleasant, charismatic, and friendly.  It's possible for a girl to play this role, but she should play the role as male, otherwise, the title of the song may not make sense.

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: G3

Mr. Bucket/Mrs. Bucket

These are great roles for young people who have nice voices, and are natural nurturers. Mr. and Mrs. Bucket can double as Oompa-Loompas in the second half of the show.

Mike Teavee

For this adaptation Mike is not just a TV junky. He is also addicted to video games, the Internet and any other mindnumbing technological device. Mike is bratty, loud and obnoxious. He does not know the word "no." Mike could also be portrayed by a girl playing a boy.

Vocal range top: Db5

Vocal range bottom: Db4

Squirrels

The squirrels are non-speaking, non-singing roles. This is a great part for beginning actors.

Charlie Bucket

The role of Charlie Bucket is the emotional heart and soul of the musical. The actor performing Charlie should have an unchanged voice and lots of pluck and enthusiasm. Think "Annie." Charlie is in nearly every scene, so make sure you select an actor who can handle the demands of a sizable role. Can be played by a male or female actor.

Vocal range top: D5

Vocal range bottom: A3

Augustus Gloop

Augustus is the overachieving eater who represents the evils of eating too much. Either a boy or a girl acting like a boy can play Augustus.

Vocal range top: Db5

Vocal range bottom: Eb4

Ms. Teavee

Ms. Teavee is a take on all television moms of the distant past. Think June Cleaver (Leave it to Beaver) or Marion Cunningham (Happy Days) or Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch). She's perfectly put together and a bit vacant.

Veruca Salt

Veruca is the wealthy, class-conscious, spoiled brat. She is often portrayed with a high British accent that is by no means required (brats come in all nationalities). Veruca's solo number "I Want It Now" is deceptively tricky and comes late in the show, so select a young woman with a strong voice. 

Vocal range top: D5

Vocal range bottom: A3

James

James is Charlie's friend from school. He has a few lines and sings the introduction of "The Candy Man" along with Matilda and Charlie.

Vocal range top: A4

Vocal range bottom: A3

Mrs. Beauregarde

Mrs. Beauregard is a teacher of geography and has invested a great deal of hard-earned money on therapy for her orally fixated daughter, with less than stellar results. The role is virtually non-singing. Her accent should match Violet's.

Grandpa Joe

Grandpa Joe is the grandfather we all wish we had when we were Charlie's age. He is caring, patient, sweet and always reminds Charlie to remain cheerful. Cast an actor who can be kind and funny.

Vocal range top: D5

Vocal range bottom: C4

Chorus Of Cooks

Please note this is an optional chorus. The Cooks appear during "I Eat More!" presenting Augustus with a smorgasbord of food choices. Double the Candy Man Kids Chorus and Oompa-Loompa Chorus.

Mr. Salt

Mr. Salt's solution to most problems is to buy his way out. He is upper class, and usually portrayed with a high British accent. (But this accent is not necessary-just make sure Veruca and Mr. Salt sound like they hail from the same place.) He sings very little. A female actress playing male may also play the role.