He talked about the 1971 American musical fantasy film based on the 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The story is about a poor child who finds a golden ticket in a chocolate bar, winning the chance to visit the world’s strangest chocolate factory with four other children from around the world.

“We’ve never done this show before. It’s a generational show with a lot of young and not so young people in it,” said Hirschboeck.

“It’s got about 40 people in it and lots of special effects with lighting,” he added.

The cast includes Tanner Dorschner (Mr. Salt) of New Ulm.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Willy Wonka’s grandparents, from left, Ben Seifert (Grandpa George), Ruby Lopez (Grandma Georgina), Sheri Okerman (Grandma Josephine) and Matthew Loyd (Grandpa Joe) rest in bed. Kneeling in front is Brennan Severson (Charlie Bucket).

“It’s a super fun show. Everyone is a lot of fun to be around. They’re all super talented. It’s a very funny, clever, colorful, whimsical show,” said Dorschner, who studies theater and communications at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Sleepy Eye High School 5th and 6th grade social studies teacher Rose Molenaar is directing the show.

“There’s a lot of magical stuff because it’s Willy Wonka,” Rosie said.

“We have a great cast and crew with so much talent. They’re all willing to listen and try new things, which is really important for this show,” she added.

A Willmar native who graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, she said the production team has been very helpful.

“I could not have done this single-handedly. They’ve had such a big impact. George (Hirschboeck) has helped out a lot too, even though he’s acting. It’s coming along so well because a lot of people are coming together to put it on as a group,” said Molenaar.

Show times are 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 27-29 and 2 p.m. June 30. Advanced reserved tickets are on sale through June 28 at the box office only, room 109 at Sleepy Eye High School. General admission tickets are available at the door, one hour prior to the show. Adult tickets at $10, students $8 and $6 for children in grade 6 and under.

The cast includes Willy Wonka, Matt Sellner; Charlie Bucket, Brennan Severson; Grandpa Joe, Matthew Loyd; Grandma Josephine, Sheri Okerman; Grandpa George, Ben Seifert; Grandma Georgina, Ruby Lopez; Mr. Bucket, Gregory Derrickson; Mrs. Bucket, Tammy Leal; Phoebe Salmon, Elisa Ries; Augustus Gloop, Jase Christiansen; Mrs. Gloop, Bethany Derrickson; Veruca Salt, Megan Sellner; Mr. Salt, Tanner Dorschner; Violet Beauregarde, Kamille Capacia; Mrs. Beauregarde, Priscilla Martinez; Mike Teavee, Austin Forster; Mrs. Teavee, Karina Koracan; Candy Man, George Hirschboeck; Candy Kid, Cook, Squirrel, Chloe Okerman, Josiah Siefkes, Raegan Kruger; Candy Kid, Cook: Lilah Hein, Katie Gonzalez; Candy Kid, Aranza Tovar-Garces.

Oompa Loompas, Greta Siefkes, Kenley Jensen, Jake Haugen, Jose Castorena, Maddie Schreyer, Anna Johnson, Aiden Grausam, Elijah Boldaun.

Director Rosie Molenaar, assistant director Tammy Leal. Music directors Kristina Marti, Madeline Cacciatore. Choreographer Samarah Forster. Tech director Bailey Rutscher. Set builder Kevin Maudal. Stage directors Kelly Nachreiner, George Hirschboeck. Costumes, Sheri Okerman, Tammy Leal.