Will Josh Bergasse Join Jack O'Brien for Broadway's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY with New Song?

While none of this has yet to be officially confirmed, after news that CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY -- currently playing in the West End -- might be gaining Jack O'Brien as its new director on Broadway in spring 2017, The Daily Mail reports that choreographer Josh Bergasse has replaced Peter Darling on the creative team. Tony nominee Bergasse recently choreographed Broadway's GIGI and ON THE TOWN.

Darling has departed the Roald Dahl show to focus on Tim Minchin's new musical GROUNDHOG DAY, which will be making its World Premiere at the Old Vic this year, followed by a Broadway run in 2017. As previously reported, original UK director Sam Mendes will stay on as a producer for CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY on Broadway.

New director Jack O'Brien previously worked with composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman in HAIRSPRAY. According to the Mail, set and costume designer Mark Thompson and writer David Greig recently met with O'Brien, Shaiman and Wittman in New York City to determine which one of five new songs will appear in 'CHARLIE' on the Great White Way.

The Mail also writes that the musical "will certainly evolve, wholesale, in the U.S." and that "Pure Imagination will still be in there -- but audiences may not have to wait all night to hear it."

Roald Dahl's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY has quickly become one of the West End's most popular and successful stage musicals. It won two Olivier awards in April 2014, and has broken records at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where it has been seen by over 1,600,000 people since it opened in June 2013.

Featuring ingenious stagecraft, the wonder of the original story that has captivated the world for almost 50 years is brought to life with music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, a book by award-winning playwright and adaptor David Greig, set and costume designs by Mark Thompson and choreography (in the West End) by Peter Darling.

When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it's the chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets he's always dreamed of. But beyond the gates astonishment awaits, as down the sugary corridors and amongst the incredible edible delights, the five lucky winners discover not everything is as sweet as it seems.