Commissioned by American Lyric Theater, Golden Ticket features a score by Peter Ash and libretto by Donald Sturrock. Opera Theatre of St. Louis artistic director James Robinson directs the developmental workshop, which begins March 25 and will culminate in a public presentation on April 4 at 7 PM in the Irene Diamond Education Center in Frederick P. Rose Hall.

Dahl's widow Felicity, who co-commissioned Golden Ticket with American Lyric Theater, said in a statement, "At last after years of listening to mediocre attempts by other composers, I was thrilled to hear not only a stunning piece of music, but a well thought-out treatment for an opera version of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.' I was beginning to think no one was capable of capturing the spirit and magic of Roald's original... It is extremely exciting... I can sense something very special is being created here!"

Friedenberg, who made his Broadway debut in the recent revival of Gypsy starring Patti LuPone, will star as Charlie in a cast that also features Christopher Burchett (Willy Wonka), Kiera Duffy (Violet Beauregarde), Abigail Nims (Veruca Salt), Jason Abrams (Mike Teavee), Andrew Drost (Augustus Gloop), Adrienne Danrich (Mrs. Gloop/Grandma Georgina), Katherine Pracht (Mrs. Teavee/Grandma Josephine), Keith Jameson (Grandpa Joe), Daniel Mobbs (Mr. Beauregarde/Grandpa George), David Kravitz (Lord Salt) and Elise Quagliata (Candy Mallow/Squirrel Mistress).

The Golden Ticket is aiming to make its world premiere at Opera Theatre of St. Louis in 2010, also under the direction of James Robinson. The St. Louis production will have scenic design by Bruno Schwengl and costume design by Martin Pakledinaz. Complete casting and creative duties for the world premiere will be announced this summer.

Tickets for the workshop presentation of The Golden Ticket are available by visiting ALTNYC.