Wonderful world of Wonka, Paula Poundstone & film favorites come to Ellen
The Ellen Theatre is home to just about every form of entertainment you can think of, whether live or up on the big screen. The historic downtown space is your source for the best film and stage performance in the area. The venue also houses some great musical acts, both local and those visiting Southwest Montana. Here’s a look at what’s happening on Main.
TATE Academy presents their Spring production, the musical Willy Wonka Jr. on Saturday, May 18th at 7pm and Sunday, May 19th at 3pm. Based on the beloved Roald Dahl classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the show features many delightful characters such as Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Charlie Bucket, the Oompa Loompas, and the charismatic Candy Man himself, Willy Wonka. The cast is comprised of 31 young actors and the production runs just over one hour. Tickets are $9.50 for adults and $6.50 for youth 17 and under.
Returning to the Ellen for the SEVENTH time, comedian Paula Poundstone takes the stage on Friday, May 24th. One of the Theatre’s favorite visiting performers, Paula has been a frequent guest on the Late Show with David Letterman, A Prairie Home Companion, and is a regular on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! She exhibits razor-sharp humor with a dry delivery, connecting with the crowd on any subject at the drop of a hat. All seats are $42 and the laughs begin at 8pm.
How about a good ole family film to cap the weekend? Animated action fantasy How to Train Your Dragon screens on Sunday, May 26th at 2pm. Hiccup, a young Viking teen, aspires to follow his tribe’s tradition of becoming a dragon slayer, but after capturing his first dragon, he finds he no longer wants to kill the creature and instead befriends him. Rated PG, the favorite flick holds a 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. No ticket is needed, only $3 at the door!
And on Thursday, May 30th, Walter Matthau and Elaine May star in the 1971 dark comedy, A New Leaf. A spoiled and self-absorbed man, who has squandered his inheritance, is desperate to find a way to maintain his lavish lifestyle. An opportunity presents itself when he meets an awkward and bookish heiress, however his wits and determination may not be enough to execute his cunning scheme. All seats are $6 and the film screens at 7:30pm.
Wine, beer, and other refreshments will be sold in the lobby one hour before all events. Ticketing and further information about these and other upcoming happenings is available at www.theellentheatre.org. For additional inquiries, call (406) 585-5885 or stop into The Ellen box office. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 1–3pm, as well as two hours prior to any event. •
