Weird Al, Finn Wolfhard & more to star in Willy Wonka live concert event!

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Throughout the years, Roald Dahl's classic children's novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" has been adapted into a variety of entertainment mediums. There's Mel Stuart's 1971 film, a Broadway adaptation, Tim Burton's visually splediferous version of the tale, and Tom & Jerry cartoon crossover, and even a full album of the Willy Wonka soundtrack as performed by the legendary rock band Primus. Today, it's been announced that CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY will get the live-in-concert treatment, and the organizers for this gig are packing some delicious star power to ensure that it's an unforgettably tasty event.

As of the time of this publication, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory In Concert at the Hollywood Bowl: A Live-to-Film Celebration (November 3rd and 4th) will feature STRANGER THINGS and IT star Finn Wolfhard as Charlie Bucket while John Stamos of FULL HOUSE fame is scheduled to sing "Pure Imagination" as Willy Wonka and "Weird Al" Yankovic as the Oompa Loompas. Elle King will perform as the vile Veruca Salt to sing "I Want It Now," with Giancarlo Esposito as The Candy Man, Ingrid Michaelson as Mrs. Bucket, and Richard Kind as Grandpa Joe. Wow!

Additionally, songs originally arranged by Anthony Newley, Leslie Bricusse, and Walter Scharf including “The Candy Man,” “I’ve Got A Golden Ticket,” and “Oompa-Loompa Doompadee-Doo” will also be performed live onstage by the multi-instrumental band DeVotchka and a musical ensemble lead by Jeff Hoeppner. Directing all of the music for the show will be DeVotcka’s Nick Urata.

Primus performing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in its entirety

Another unique aspect of the performance is that it will be presented in Smell-O-Rama, meaning that those in attendance will receive exclusive Scratch-N-Sniff Golden Tickets for the event. As if that isn't cool enough, a multitude of Wonka-brand snacks will also be served during the show's two-day run. If your back is getting stiff from sitting in your theater chair, you can also opt to check out the costume contest or some of the many special projections that will appear on the surface of the Bowl presented by famed painter, designer, and illustrator Shag.

In commenting about the event, the show's concert director, Richard Kraft, stated "Like our concert celebration of ‘Disney’s The Little Mermaid at the Hollywood Bowl,’ we are mixing in film, live music, singers, dancers, effects and special guest artists to create an event that pays homage to the original movie but also delivers something that could only be experienced live. Our creative mantra for this show has been, ‘Anything you want to: Do it."

Delightful! I would grab tickets to this in a heartbeat if I lived in the area. The Willy Wonka soundtrack is filled with timeless tunes and this star-studded performance sounds like it's going to be a truly unique night at the theater. Hmm, maybe I'll contact JimmyO, and see if he'll be my date.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory In Concert at the Hollywood Bowl: A Live-to-Film Celebration is happening on November 3rd and 4th.