Kathy Fitzgerald News

Join the 'world of pure imagination' as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory plays at the Orpheum Theatre Nov. 5-10, 2019.

Despite its general pleasant nature, many cute moments, and a plethora of genuine talent on stage, this stage musical adaptation of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY---Roald Dahl's beloved 1964 children's novel about a sweet, affable kid who wins a meet-and-greet (and more!) with an eccentric Candy Man named Willy Wonka--- comes off less magical and whimsical than one would hope it would be considering its source material. Is this national tour production---now continuing performances at Segerstrom Center for the Arts through June 9---joyful enough for kids and kids-at-heart to enjoy? Sure. But, overall, something about it feels just slightly under-baked, as if all the additional necessary ingredients that would have made this musical extraordinary didn't quite make it into the mix.

The producers and Segerstrom Center for the Arts are pleased to announce casting for the national tour of Roald Dahl's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, which will play Segerstrom Hall May 28 - June 9, 2019. As previously announced, Broadway veteran Noah Weisberg (South Pacific, Enron, Elf, Legally Blonde) will star as the extraordinary chocolate maker, Willy Wonka, with Henry Boshart (age 10), Collin Jeffery (age 11) and Rueby Wood (age 11), alternating in the title role of Charlie Bucket.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opened at the Pantages Theatre earlier this week!

It is always exciting when a beloved story from one's childhood receives new life on the stage. It is especially thrilling when it's a piece with such sweet potential as Roald Dahl's classic tale, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. With the original book, the classic Gene Wilder film (and other film adaptations) and recent London and Broadway musical productions setting the stage, this fun new musical will take the Bushnell stage in Hartford, CT from February 19 - 24.  Playing Augustus Gloop, one of the nasty children who finds a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, will be Matt Wood, who sat down with me to talk about this entertaining, family-friendly show.

The Boston premiere of the US National Tour of Roald Dahl's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY opened at the Boston Opera House this week, just a year after the Broadway production closed. The core of the Broadway creative team brings in a 36-member cast, including the beguiling candy man Willy Wonka and the Oompa Loompas, his odd little troupe of orange-haired factory workers.

The tour opened last month in Buffalo, NY to rave reviews and set a new record as the highest grossing and attended tour launch in Shea's history. Just finishing its third week in Chicago, the tour continues to delight audiences. Get a look at the tour below!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is gearing up to take the show on the road! Watch the cast perform three numbers from the upcoming tour!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is gearing up to take the show on the road! Hear what the cast and creatives have to say about what makes this musical so delicious!

Good morning BroadwayWorld! Today's top stories: we took you inside opening night of Gettin' The Band Back Together, and more!

Complete casting has been announced for the national tour of Roald Dahl's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY which will launch this September.

Meet Me In St. Louis began performances at the Muny August 4 and will run until August 12. Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

Meet Me In St. Louis is the picture-perfect nostalgic closer for The Muny's centennial season, a romantic musical based on the 1944 film that follows the Smith family through 1903 and into the new year as they await the opening of the 1904 World's Fair. The plot is a bit old fashioned by modern standards, but focuses on family, friendship, and love, and pays an affectionate tribute to a bygone era in St. Louis history.

Meet Me In St. Louis began performances at the Muny August 4 and will run until August 12. Check out an exclusive clip of Emily Walton performing 'The Boy Next Door' below!

Meet Me In St. Louis began performances at the Muny August 4 and will run until August 12. Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

Laurie Frey's 'Unbeatable' will return to NYC for a One-Night Only Benefit Reading on Monday, August 13, 2018 at 7PM at The Irene Diamond Stage. Broadway star Jenn Colella ('Come from Away') stars as Tracy Boyd, the role she originated.

Barrington Stage Company (BSC), the award-winning theatre in the Berkshires (Pittsfield, MA) under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd, is pleased to announce additional casting for the 2018 Season.

Barrington Stage Company (BSC), the award-winning theatre in downtown Pittsfield, under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd, presents the world premiere musical, The Royal Family of Broadway. Performances run through July 7 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage (30 Union Street).

BroadwayWorld has a first look at Barrington Stage Company's THE ROYAL FAMILY OF BROADWAY. The show is now on stage through July 7 on the Boyd-Quinson Mainstage.  See the cast take their opening night bows below!