Producers John Frost and Craig Donnell are delighted to announce Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is partnering with Make-A-Wish Australia to bring hope, strength and joy to children facing life-threatening illnesses.
As the official charity partner of the Sydney musical production, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory will host a Gala Performance on Thursday 21 February 2019 (7:30pm) with the proceeds from 500 ticket sales going directly back to Make-a-Wish.
The funds raised from the 500 Gala performance ticket sales, plus other initiatives on the night, will be donated to Make-A-Wish, helping to fund the wishes of critically ill children Australia wide.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be collaborating with Make-A-Wish as our chosen official charity partner on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” said Producer Craig Donnell. “One of the major themes in this production is the power of ‘pure imagination’ allowing your wildest dreams to come true.”
“We hope to help many deserving children get that opportunity. Just as Charlie Bucket finds his golden ticket and changes family’s life, it’s our hope that this partnership will raise vital funds to give as many children as possible a chance for their wishes to come true.”
Make-A-Wish works with sick kids, their families and medical teams to deliver unforgettable wish experiences that help kids imagine a future beyond their illness. With more than 700 families currently on their wish journey, we rely on the generosity of our partners, donors and volunteers to make these incredible wishes happen.
Make-A-Wish Australia creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Since 1985, more than 10,000 wishes have been granted thanks to the generous support of partners and supporters in the community. When a wish is realised, a child discovers that despite their situation, anything is possible.
“We are delighted to partner with the Gordon Frost Organisation on this fabulous production,” said Make-A-Wish Australia CEO Sally Bateman. “Each year, thousands of Australian children are diagnosed with critical illnesses, and like Charlie Bucket, wish to escape their current reality.”
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is perhaps Roald Dahl’s best-known story and has proved to be one of the most enduring children’s books of all time. The story of Charlie Bucket, the five Golden Tickets, the Oompa-Loompas and the amazing Willy Wonka has become firmly embedded in our culture since it was first published in 1964. Conservative estimates suggest the original book has sold over 20 million copies worldwide; it is now available in 61 languages.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory opens at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on Friday 11 January 2019 (previews from 5 January). For more information, visit: www.charliethemusical.com.au for details. The Make A Wish Gala takes place on Thursday 21 February 2019. Visit: www.makeawish.org.au to purchase tickets.
Image: Ryan Foust as Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Original Broadway Cast 2017) – photo by Joan Marcus