SAM MENDES - MENDES TO TAKE WILLY WONKA TO THE STAGE

MENDES TO TAKE WILLY WONKA TO THE STAGE

Oscar-winning director SAM MENDES is bringing children's classic CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY to the stage.
Roald Dahl's beloved book has already been turned into two successful Hollywood movies, convincing Mendes the story could be a hit musical on Broadway and the West End.
The director has commissioned Scottish playwright David Greig to write the script and he has recruited Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman - the musical minds behind 2007's hit Hairspray - to provide the score.
Dahl's 1964 story first made it to the big screen in 1971, with Gene Wilder starring as chocolate maker Willy Wonka. Johnny Depp revived the role in a 2005 remake, directed by Tim Burton.