Flathead High School brings pure imagination to the stage with ‘Willy Wonka'

Get ready to enter a world of pure imagination as Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka” hits the stage at Flathead High School in a colorful, exciting production full of music, magic, and chocolate. 

Performances will be held in the high school auditorium at 6:27 p.m. Nov. 6 and 7. On Nov. 8, performances are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 6:27 p.m.  

Based on the classic children’s book and the 1971 film, “Willy Wonka” tells the story of the mysterious candy maker who invites five lucky children into his magical chocolate factory. Among them is Charlie Bucket — a kind-hearted and humble girl from a poor family who dreams of a better life. Along with the other children, each with their own flaws like greed and impatience, Charlie discovers wild inventions, tasty treats, and the mischievous Oompa-Loompas. 

“Charlie, a selfless girl, loves chocolate but loves her family more and is excited for an opportunity to see Wonka’s famous factory; however, she can’t afford what other children can, a candy bar with a chance of winning a golden ticket,” director and Flathead theater teacher Luke Johnson said. “Meanwhile, Wonka is getting on in years and would like to pass his legacy on to a deserving apprentice; however, every child that earns a golden ticket is a greedy child.” 

As the tour unfolds, the children learn that the rules must be respected or consequences will follow. As Charlie and the other ticket winners tour the factory, they meet wild inventions, tasty treats, and the famous Oompa-Loompas — but they also learn big lessons about honesty, kindness, and what it really means to be “sweet.” Ultimately, Charlie’s humility and integrity make her the worthy heir to Wonka’s sugary legacy. 

"It’s a fun, nostalgic story that adults will love and kids will adore," Johnson said. "You’ll find music, dance, humor, and a heartwarming message all rolled into one." 

The musical features unforgettable songs including iconic numbers like “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” paired with colorful costumes, creative sets and fun choreography. 

“The dedicated cast and crew have been working hard on the show and creating a positive community,” Johnson said.  “And the pit is made up of 12 musicians and directed by Eric Holdhusen who played Charlie himself when he was young at Whitefish Theatre Company.” 

The cast of “Willy Wonka” includes: Bayliss Cummings as Willy Wonka, Ethan Kauffman, Myla Johnson, Elisabeth Friess, Bronson Willcut, Emmah Sawyer, Teyvia Davis, Boston Jackson, Lincoln McElwain, Hudson Mills, Madelynn Danford-Komenda, Audrey Cozad, John Provo, Szonja Czinner, Keelan Moore, Helena Pershall Jolee Pitts, Makenzie Westphal-James, Natalie Young-Matilda, Mia Martinez, Lexie Nash, Mikayla Hokanson, Kirah Kniffin, Tatum McGuire, Emma Feeney, Hunter Mitchell, Charlie Adamson and Aubrie Mannon as Charlie. 

Behind the scenes, the stage and technical crew includes: Paisley Boykin-Smith, Colin Lincoln, Jacob Linden, Lev Strong, Ava Plum, Emma Brist, Adalicia O’Brien, Cosmo Deyoung, Maddie Simms, Matthew Ottman, Felicia Nicklaus, Elena Nicklaus, Emma Henderson, Vanessa Foultner, Addie Rivera, Zoey Franklin, Camilla Olmstead, Akaiyan Fuller, Kinnerly Fuller, Saphiera Croft, Lucas Kimmet and Nora 

“Willy Wonka” is performed under special arrangement with Music Theatre International, which helps schools and community theaters bring professional-level shows to their local stage. The show has a runtime of 90 minutes and one intermission 

Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $10 for children, students and senior citizens and may be purchased online at gofan.co by searching “Flathead High School.” Advanced tickets are also available at the FHS Main Office.  If available, any remaining tickets will be sold at the door.