Roald Dahl’s beloved classic, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” will once again come to life – this time on the stage.

Regional Theatre of the Palouse will present the stage version of the book, titled “Willy Wonka,” from Thursday to Saturday and on Nov. 12-14 at 7:30 p.m., with additional matinee shows at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday Nov 14.

The stage version, which was commissioned by The John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., follows the original 1971 film that starred Gene Wilder.

“It’s very similar to the film script-wise and has all the music from the original, but there is a handful of new songs for the stage production,” director John Rich said.

Attendees can expect to hear familiar songs, including “The Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination,” written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, as well as a few new ones, written by Bricusse and Timothy A. McDonald.

“The songs are really fun,” co-vocal director Tina McClure said. “I think they really continue on with the ‘Willy Wonka’ songs we already know and love from the film.” In the film, only Charlie Bucket and Veruca Salt had their own song. In the theatrical version, each child gets a song.

Violet Beauregarde sings “Chew It,” Mike Teavee and his mother perform “I See it All on TV” and Augustus and Mrs. Gloop sing “I Eat More.” “Not only are the lyrics hilarious, but (the music) is very catchy,” McClure said.

RTOP is among the first few companies to produce the stage show.

“The play is fairly new,” Rich said. “It’s only about a year, year and a half old.” The theatrical version is so new, in fact, that the company came across technical difficulties when they began production on the show.

The vocal music, orchestral music and stage directions didn’t match, Rich said.

“When we first started rehearsals, we went back and forth with New York a lot,” he said. “They finally realized that we were correct.” It was a difficult to figure out which version was correct, Rich said, but they eventually worked out all the kinks.

Rich expects audience members of all ages to enjoy the show, he said. It’s up to parents to decide whether or not their children are old enough to sit through the show.

“I would think (children aged) 5 and up and adults would enjoy it,” Rich said. “It all depends on the parents and the children. And I know when I was a kid, I was enthralled with theater.” The cast includes local children, ages 6 through 16. The part of Willy Wonka will be played by Jim Sato and Gabriel Lisonbee will portray Charlie Bucket. Lisonbee’s real-life parents will play Mr. and Mrs. Bucket in the performances.

“They’re a delightful cast, and they seem to be quite involved,” Rich said.

Tickets for the show are $15 for adults in advance and $17 and the door. Tickets for children 12 and under are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance by contacting the RTOP box office at (509) 334-0750.

RTOP’s business manager Marilyn Shaw recommends buying the tickets in advance to assure that they are available for the night you wish to attend.

“I wouldn’t put it off to buying them at the door,” Shaw said. “There are a lot of seats available now, but there’s a lot of enthusiasm, and I think we’re going to have at least a couple of nights that are sold out.”