When the cast call includes Oompa Loompas, you know it must be about the world’s most famous Candy Man. Missouri University of Science and Technology’s Miner League Theatre Players production of Willy Wonka the Musical features more than 60 performers, including 20 area children, and many more behind the scenes.

Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12, through Saturday, April 14, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 15, in Leach Theatre of Castleman Hall on the Missouri S&T campus, 10th and Main streets in Rolla. Sunday’s show is part of the Leach Theatre Family Series.

Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for S&T students and youth age 18 and under. Tickets are available between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before each performance in the Leach Theatre Box Office, located in the vestibule inside the main entrance to Leach Theatre of Castleman Hall, facing 10th Street. Call 573-341-4219 for more information. Tickets for Sunday’s show may also be purchased online.

Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the musical features lyrics and music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

“This is our most technically challenging show yet,” says director Jeanne Stanley, assistant professor of theater in the arts, languages and philosophy department at Missouri S&T. “Three people will ‘fly,’ we’ll have a ‘chocolate’ waterfall and a constantly moving set in the second act.”

The role of Willy Wonka will be played by professional actor Kirk Lawrence, who played the title role in Missouri S&T’s production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street in 2009.

Dave Cress, a lecturer in the arts, languages and philosophy department and S&T jazz band conductor, is the musical director. Gessell Frisbee of Rolla’s andFLEW! Studios is the dance instructor. Kevin Shaw is the technical director and Ryan Rader is the assistant director.