Remember that comically bad Willy Wonka experience that hit Glasgow earlier this year? Well, that bit of viral internet infamy has inspired a new show. Willy’s Candy Spectacular: A Musical Parody will officially hit the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August.

But that’s not all. You may recognize some faces in this Wonka parody. The show will feature two stars of the original 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory movie. Julie Dawn Cole, who played Veruca Salt, exits retirement to take the stage for Willy’s Candy Spectacular for August 9-18 shows. Cole will narrate the performance. Then, Paris Themmen (Mike Teevee) will take over as narrator for the August 19-26 shows.

You may even recognize Kirsty Paterson – aka the Sad Oompa Loompa from the original viral experience in Glasgow. 

The ensemble cast also features:

  • Shelley Regner (Pitch Perfect series)
  • Eric Petersen (School of Rock The Musical, Shrek: The Musical)
  • Nicole Greenwood (In Plain Sight)
  • Wilkie Ferguson (Broadway’s Motown: The Musical)
  • Cassandra Parker (Cabaret)
  • Monica Evans (Singer/Songwriter)
  • Chris Villain (Freakshow)
Willy's Candy Spectacular: A Musical Parody cast headshots

“Even in my purest imagination, I couldn’t have seen this all coming together so beautifully and so fast. It is simply scrumdiddlyumptious,” said producer Richard Kraft.

“I feel like Willy Wonka himself standing at the gates to the factory with this remarkable cast all arriving with their Golden Tickets ready to perform,” added writer Andy Fickman. “Working with this glorious cast in this dreamy musical is already a joy, but to add the original Veruca Salt and Mike Teevee to the mix—my head is having an explosion of sweet treats!  

Willy’s Candy Spectacular: A Musical Parody features the songs written by Riki Lindhome, Daniel Mertzlufft, Doug Rockwell & Tova Litvin, Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner, Megan Cavallari, Kate Miccuci, Jennifer Lucy Cook & Richard Kraft. 

For more information, visit willyscandyspectacular.com.

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