A PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
MRS. JEN KLOCK
I am so excited to be directing a musical as brilliant as Matilda this year! After the success of Newsies in 2022, I figured I’d keep the theme of children fighting against oppressors going for another year. Don’t worry, Mr. Gavalas - I’m not staging a student coup d’etat. But I am excited about putting on another show that proves just how incredible kids are when they come together and use their voices, and magical powers, for good.
I could not have imagined a more talented group of people to share these past few months with. To my cast, you made this show the most enjoyable I’ve directed so far. From our first day together, I knew this would be a very special experience. Your kindness, talent, humor, and love of crocs made our rehearsal process an absolute blast. You put up with my lack of technical dance terms (shout out to my creepy velociraptor thriller puppets and crab walkers), my crying whenever you performed “When I Grow Up”, and my terrible stand up every time I had a microphone. Thanks for being such wonderful humans, and not to mention the greatest parents to baby Mo. I love you all so much. To Amanda, Eric, and Joe - my incredible team of directors, you are all such rockstars. Your dedication shines through in every moment of this show and I absolutely love working with you all. Lastly, a special thank you to my stage managers Ava and Bobby. Your time and effort helping me since the start of rehearsals was so greatly appreciated.
I also would like to acknowledge my incredible support system outside of school. The encouragement from my friends and family has meant the world to me, and I know that my late father is getting a total kick out of this venture of mine. But overall, none of this would be possible without the support of my Sondheim loving, mustachioed husband Evan. You’ve been my rock for the last 15 years but your patience and understanding during every “musical season” is always something else. You are a true partner in every sense of the word. “It takes two!”
Matilda teaches us that “even if you’re little you can do a lot.” No lyric better defines the amazing kids who are the heart and soul of the Howitt Players. I am so excited for you all to see what our young cast and crew is capable of. Enjoy the show!
