Montana Western and Bank of Commerce Performing Art Series Present “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka”

The University of Montana Western’s Theatre Program and the Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series are excited to present “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka” from May 29 -31 in UMW’s Beier Auditorium.

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka follows enigmatic candy manufacturer, Willy Wonka, as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are insufferable brats: the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket, who takes the tour in the company of his equally amiable grandfather. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory… or suffer the consequences.

The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder and new songs by Leslie Bricusse (Jekyll & Hyde, Doctor Dolittle) and Anthony Newley, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth.

This Community-Based production will feature local Dillon youth, and performers of all ages!

Cast List:

• Willy Wonka — Regan Fortier

• Phineous Trout — Greer Morstein

• Charlie Bucket — Olivia Rix

• Grandpa Joe — Bill Laursen

• Augustus Gloop — Quincy Jones

• Mrs. Gloop — Leah Kenealey

• Veruca Salt — Brookly Kidd

• Mr. Salt — Bryce Choco

• Violet Beauregarde — Hazel Herbert

• Mrs. Beauregarde — Jessica Kidd

• Mike Teavee — Parker Jones

• Mrs. Teavee — Eliza Kenealey

• Oompa Loompas —

  • Julian Dunn

  • Zoey Jones

  • Holly Basile

  • Zanzibar Kenealey

  • Paislee Trimble

  • Lily Jones

• Mr. Bucket — Shay Kidd

• Mrs. Bucket — Autom Rockstad

• Grandma Josephina — Pam Laursen

• Grandma Georgina — Brooklynn Atkins

• Grandpa George — Emilia Wheeler

• Candy Woman — Elida Craven

  
  

Music and lyrics are by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. The stage adaptation is by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald, based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. The production is directed by Josey Mae, with music direction by Stephen Alan Seder, stage management by Adeline Michels, assistant stage management by Alysha Nilsen, and scenic design by Adryan Miller-Gorder.

Rated G, this production is suitable for all ages. Performances will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 29; 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Saturday, May 30; and 1:00 p.m. Sunday, May 31 in UMW’s Beier Auditorium. 

To purchase tickets, please visit the BOC Performing Arts Series Box Office webpage. Admission is $16 for general seating, $12 for seniors (65+), youth (18 & under), and military, $10 for UMW faculty/staff, and free for UMW students with a valid student ID.

For more information, please contact Assistant Professor of Theatre Stephen Seder at stephen.seder@umwestern.edu or 406-683-7038. Learn more about UMW Theatre and upcoming performances.