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Willy Wonka Character Descriptions
Willy Wonka/Candyman
Willy Wonka is an enigmatic character; at one mysterious and mischievous but also charismatic. The actor should be able to be funny and serious and change between the two on a dime. If you audition for this role, please make sure your summer vacation plans do not conflict with rehearsals.
Highest Vocal Range: F above C (not middle C but the next one up)
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 a male “Annie.” Charlie is in almost every scene, If you audition for this role, please make sure your summer vacation plans do not conflict with rehearsals.
Highest Vocal Range: F# above C (not middle C but the next one up)
Grandpa Joe
Grandpa Joe is the grandfather we all wish we had when we were Charlie’s age. He is caring, patient and sweet and always reminds Charlie to remain cheerful.
Highest Vocal Range: E flat above C (not middle C but the next one up)
Mr. Bucket
Mr. Bucket performs “Think Positive” with Charlie. He should be kind and nurturing. Will double as an Oompa Loompa.
Highest Vocal Range: F# above C (not middle C but the next one up)
Mrs. Bucket
Mrs. Bucket performs “Cheer Up Charlie” with Charlie. She should be kind, wise and nurturing. Will double as an Oompa Loompa.
Highest Vocal Range: D flat above C (not middle C but the next one up)
Phineous Trout
Phineous is the reporter who announces the winners of the Golden Ticket contest throughout the show. The role requires some singing.
Highest Vocal Range: C above middle C
Augustus Gloop
Augustus is the overachieving eater who represents the evils of eating too much. Augustus sings “I Eat More” with his mother and Phineous Trout. This song is the most challenging one in the show.
Highest Vocal Range G above C (not middle C but the next one up)
Mrs. Gloop
Mrs. Gloop has overindulged her son with food and is proud of that fact. She accompanies Augustus on the tour of the factory. Good role for a character actor.
Highest Vocal Range: E above C (not middle C but the next one up)
Mike TeaVee
For this show, Mike is not only a TV Junky; he is also addicted to video games, the internet and any other mind-numbing technological device. (Parents should really relate to this character!) Mike is bratty, loud and obnoxious. He sings “I see it all on TV” with Mrs. TeeVee.
Highest Vocal Range: G above C (not middle C but the next one up)
Ms. TeaVee
Ms. TeaVee is a take on all television moms of the distant past. Think June Cleaver of Leave it to Beaver or Marion Cunningham of Happy Days or even Carol Brady of The Brady Bunch. She is perfectly put together but a bit vacant. (or blind if she lets Mike waste away in front of the TV)
Highest Vocal Range F above C (not middle C but the next one up)
Violet Beauregarde
Gum chewer extraordinaire, Violet hails from Snellville, Georgia so it would be nice if she has a southern American accent, but not necessary. Violet should stand in stark contrast to Veruca Salt. Veruca is a wealthy brat, Violet is a middle class brat. She sings “Chew It” with Willy Wonka and can be a show stopper with the right voice.
Highest Vocal Range G above C (not middle C but the next one up)
Mrs. Beauregarde
Mrs. Beauregarde 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. This role is non-singing. Her accent should match Violet’s
Veruca Salt
Veruca is the wealthy, class-conscious, spoiled brat. She is often portrayed with a high British accent but it is not required. Veruca’s solo number “I Want It Now” is tricky and comes late in the show.
Highest Vocal Range: E above C (not middle C but the next one up)
Mr. Salt
Mr. Salt’s solution to most problems is to buy his way out. He is Upper Class and like Veruca, usually portrayed with a high British accent. Accent not necessary, but he and Veruca should sound like they come from the same place. He sings very little.
Grandma Josephina, Grandma Georgina, and Grandpa George
Charlie’s three grandparents are mainly non-singing character roles. You need to have good comic timing. Will double as Oompa Loompa’s in the second half of the show.
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. Will also double in other roles.
Highest Vocal Range: A above Middle C
Matilda
Matilda is also a schoolmate of Charlie’s but she’s a bit of a bully. Matilda has a few lines and sings the introduction of “The Candy Man” along with Charlie and James. Will also double in other roles.
Highest Vocal Range: B above Middle C
Chorus
There are many places for the Chorus to shine in this production.
Candy Man Kids sing The Candy Man F above C (not middle C but the next one up)
Chorus of Cooks sing I Eat More F above C (not middle C but the next one up)
Squirrels non singing but great fun.
. . . . . . .And of course Oompa Loompas
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