Expertly directed, meticulously choreographed and musically superb “Matilda Jr.” is being presented after a little more than a month in the making _ at Newark Middle School April 19th and 20th.
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Seasoned and outstanding Director and Newark High School English teacher Emily Howard said the show is about “bookworm Matilda Wormwood who does not fit into her television and money-obsessed family. First grade teacher, Miss Honey recognizes her brilliance and together they take down the mean Agatha Trunchbull who serves as the school principal and physical education teacher. Matilda meets friends along the way that help her find the strength to stand up to the ultimate bully.
“We were excited to pick a show that offers an opportunity for our actors to portray characters close to their own age,” Howard continued. “Additionally, there are several fantastic comedic roles that show off the skills of our performers. The design elements _ costumes, sets, props_ are the work of our student crew. We are so proud of our cast and crew!”
Hats off for great work by Melissa Viscusi, NMS vocal music teacher who is the music director for the show; Stefan Uveges, an NMS school counselor, the choreographer and Perkins School vocal music teacher Lara Larsson who is the technical director.
Cast members include: Lillie Austin as Michael, Alena Black as Hortensia, Colin Chamberlain as Bruce, Madison Chamberlain as Agatha Trunchbull, Sloane Colling as Matilda, Maggie Cornwell as Miss Honey, Ava Herrington as Alice, KaylaJo Kaufman as Mrs. Phelps, Brayden Kleiboer as Tommy, Henry Klemann as Escapologist, Peter Kuperus as Nigel, Dominic LaMagna as Rudolpho, Rylee Mayo as Amanda, Spencer Nies as Eric, Alexandria Pellegrini as Acrobat, Abigail Wells as Sergei, Mariam White as Mrs. Wormwood, Gabriella Williams as Lavender and Genevieve Witter as Mr. Wormwood,
Ensemble members include: Madelyn Backus, Aaliyah Briggs, Payton Bump, Mason Casterlin, Alexis Grass, Elizabeth Hamelinck, Navaeh Jewett, Lily Kerr, Katelyn Lochner, Alexandria Newark, Jenna Patton, Mia Rivera, Madison Ross, Madilynn Uerz, Anna Winkler and Rose Young.
Crew members: Dean Aldrich, main curtain, Olivia Almekinder, deck crew, Reagan DeSain, lightboard operator, Malina Gonzalez, deck crew, Isabella Hartgrove, deck crew, Emily Hobart, deck crew, Kianna Leslie, costumes, Olivia Parish, hair/makeup, Jayden Raike, deck crew, Shelby Schermerhorn stage manager and Elizabeth Sindon, deck crew.
The musical will be presented in the NMS auditorium at 7 p.m. April 19th and at 2 p.m. April 20th. Tickets are $3 and are available at the door 30 minutes before the performance.