Sam Mendes developing 'Chocolate' musical

LONDON, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- British theater and movie director Sam Mendes is producing a stage musical adaptation of the children's book, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

Mendes helmed the films "American Beauty," "Revolutionary Road" and "Away We Go," as well as the 1998 stage production of "Cabaret."

Playwright David Greig is penning the "Charlie" script based on Roald Dahl's fantasy novel, while Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman are composing the score, the BBC said.

The book was adapted for the big screen as 1971's "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and again in 2005 as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."

The BBC said it is unclear whether Mendes will direct, as well as produce the stage production of "Charlie."