Missoula Community Theatre’s Production of Willy Wonka Opens Dec 13th

The Missoula Community Theatre announces the most scrumdidilyumptious musical of the 2013-2014 season — just in time for the holidays!  Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka opens Friday, December 13th at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.

The story follows enigmatic candy manufacturer Willy Wonka as he stages a contest by hiding five golden tickets in his scrumptious candy bars.  Whoever finds 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. The children must learn to follow Mr. Wonka’s rules in the factory—or suffer the consequences.

“Putting this show together has been so much fun” says Joseph Martinez, who is directing Willy Wonka. “We have a large cast and the energy in the room is infectious. Because the story is so well known, we (the cast and I) have been having a great time telling our version. “

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This family-friendly production features over 50 cast members ranging in age from 12-80 years old.   And speaking of family-friendly, there are 8 different families represented in the show.  Grandparents, fathers, mothers, daughters and sons have spent the last two months working together as “cast mates” to help bring this colorful musical to the stage.

Performing in the dual roles of the “Candyman” and “Willy Wonka” is Malcolm Lowe, whose Loose Caboose coffee kiosks are featuring special beverages during the run of the show.  The sizeable role of “Charlie Bucket” is being shared by two young actors (Otis Peterson and Matthew Knight) who are alternating performance days.

Willy Wonka is a musical based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl.  In 1971, Paramount brought the book to life on the big screen with Gene Wilder in the title role of “Willy Wonka.”  In 1972, it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score, which included “The Candyman”—which is also in the score of the stage production.  Oompa Loompas, Mrs. Gloop, the Salt family and other colorful characters will take audiences of all ages on a fantasy ride into the land of pure imagination!

Tickets are on sale NOW!  Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka runs December 13-15 and 18-22, 2013 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.  Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7:30 pm.  Sunday evening performances begin at 6:30 pm.  Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2:00 pm.  Tickets range from $15.00-$21.00 and tickets can be purchased at MCT’s box office (200 North Adams), online at www.MCTinc.org, or by calling (406) 728-7529.  All seats are reserved.

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