Daniel Okulitch Reprises Willy Wonka in Golden Ticket

Daniel Okuitch as Willy Wonka (Photo © Tim Wilkerson)

Canadian barihunk Daniel Okulitch will reprise his huge success as Willy Wonka in The Golden Ticket opening tonight with the Atlanta Opera. The opera is based on author Roald Dahl's classic story "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," which became the movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." The opera was written by American composer Peter Ash and British librettist Donald Sturrock and was co-commissioned by the American Lyric Theater and Felicity Dahl. The Opera Theater of St. Louis, Wexford Opera Festival and the the American Lyric Theater co-produced the world-premiere.

Here is some rehearsal footage from the current production:

Okulitch created the role for the world-premiere of The Golden Ticket in 2010 with the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. This will be his debut with the Atlanta Opera debut. From all accounts, his performance is a "must see" masterpiece of acting and singing.

Fair warning to Wonka purists, four of the roles played by children in the movie will logically be performed by adult opera singers.

Daniel Okulitch in rehearsal (Photo © Jeff Roffman)

The opera will run from March 3-11 and you can find additional information on the Atlanta Opera website. The cast also includes barihunk Jason Hardy as Grandpa George/Mr. Beauregard.

You can order Daniel Okulitch's CD at a special 10% for Barihunks readers by clicking on the logo at the bottom of the GPR Records page that looks like this:

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