Christian Borle to play Willy Wonka on Broadway

Actor Christian Borle has been cast as Willy Wonka in the Broadway adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The show, which has been running in London since 2013, will debut on the New York stage next year (17). It will be directed by Jack O’ Brien.
“Christian was the first, and in truth, perhaps the ONLY person I could imagine to create the role of Willy,” a statement from O’Brien reads. “His combination of child-like fantasy, edge, mystery, and sheer star power seemed destined for this role. I confess I prayed a lot! But this one, at least, was answered!”
The stage production will be based on Roald Dahl’s 1964 book, which spawned the 1971 musical film. It will premiere in March at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater.
Gene Wilder created Wonka for the big screen in the classic movie, while Johnny Depp played the fictional chocolate maker in the 2005 remake.