April 9-19: Roald Dahl's 'Willy Wonka' is next in Minnesota State Mankato's Theatre Season

Thursday, April 9, 2026
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Opening night

Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Performing Arts News Release

MANKATO – Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Department of Performing Arts will continue the Mainstage theatre season with Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka.”

“Willy Wonka” runs April 9-10 and 16-18 at 7:30 p.m. and April 11, 18 and 19 at 2 p.m. in the Ted Paul Theatre at the Earley Center for Performing Arts, Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Get your golden ticket and join us for a magical, musical adventure. Follow Charlie as he wins the chance of a lifetime: a tour of the mysterious and marvelous chocolate factory owned by the eccentric genius Willy Wonka. Charlie journeys through a world of pure imagination that includes edible inventions, Oompa Loompas, unforgettable songs and colorful characters.

This classic tale will be told by 24 Minnesota State Mankato student performers, eight community member Oompa Loompas and a live pit orchestra of 13 musicians. Audiences will be excited to see the performers fly on stage during the second act, thanks to the specialty rigging equipment and expertise of On the FLY Productions.

Tickets are $25 regular, $21 for seniors ages 65 and older, children under 16 and groups of 15 or more; and $5 for MSU students. The Box Office is open 4-6 p.m. weekdays in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center, or buy single tickets online at MSUTheatre.com. The Box Office line is 507-389-6661. This production is appropriate for all ages.