Story Synopsis
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world. Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other's lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize but also appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace! Packed with high-energy dance numbers, and catchy songs, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination (MTI).
Director's Note
Thank you for joining us in celebrating live theatre in our community. This year’s cast includes many students who have been in theatrical productions at Wabasha-Kellogg along with a group of students who are making their performance debuts in this show. We also have two of our foreign exchange students involved in the show.
I am thankful to all the students, adult volunteers, and amazing staff in this production. This show has some great energy, magic, and shows the power of imagination and standing up to adversity.
There are over 45 students in 7th-12th grade that have been working on this musical for the past twelve weeks. We hope that you will enjoy the culmination of our hard work and effort. The cast has to really work together in this show to bring the world of Matilda alive for the audience.
I am very proud of all of them for working together to create the magic of theatre and upholding the strong tradition of great theatre at Wabasha-Kellogg. Additionally, I am also proud of my seniors who will be taking their final bow on the W-K stage this weekend. They have many accomplishments and we will miss working with them. Our cast includes eighteen seniors this year, and over 70% of them are also involved in other sports and activities at Wabasha-Kellogg. These students are some of the most well-rounded individuals at Wabasha-Kellogg balancing sports, theatre, and academics.
I want to thank those members of the cast, parents, and community volunteers who have put in countless hours in creating costumes, building sets, painting scenery, and helping us along the way. Also, I couldn’t have done this without my amazing directing team and support staff.
It takes a village to create a theatre! When the production closes on Sunday, I know our students will have fond memories of this experience. Thank you to everyone who helped make it possible. Also, thank you for taking the time to support artistic expression and live theater.
Matilda was first commissioned and produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and premiered at The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, England in November 2010. It transferred to the Cambridge Theatre in the West End of London on 25 October 2011 and received its US premiere at the Shubert Theatre, Broadway, USA on 4 March 2013.
Cris Medina
There will be a 15-minute intermission during Act I and Act II.
Please enjoy the cookies and punch provided by the W-K Drama Club.
We also have roses and fudge for sale in the lobby.
