Join the revolt with 'Matilda The Musical Jr.'

The Somers Middle School Theater shares an empowering story of rebellion and overthrowing injustice on May 15 and 16. 

In its ninth season, the theater presents Roald Dahl’s "Matilda The Musical Jr." The 75-minute musical is based on the beloved book Matilda by Roald Dahl and adapted from the award-winning full-length musical by Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin.

Matilda (Kenzie Kilduff) wants nothing more than to share her love of books and stories with her parents, Mr. Wormwood (Gus Carey-Louden) and Mrs. Wormwood (Ava Ruonavaara), and brother Michael (Aurelia Mae Paulson-Hofseth). Matilda escapes her lonely family life at the library, run by Mrs. Phelps (Juliet Franklin), who eagerly listens to Matilda’s fabulous tale of an Acrobat (Charlotte Beattie) and an Escapologist (Eirelyn McClure). 

Matilda joins eight other hopeful 5-year-olds (Landon Gilman, Zoey Hanson, Chloe Howell, Amira Knaff, Nyla Knaff, Corrina Ledahl, Jubilee Ledahl, and Ruby Winkel) on the first day of school. They are quickly disillusioned by the intimidating older schoolchildren (CharleeRose Blocker, Hayley Feeney, Courtlynn Lehman, Piper Louden, Aibhilin Mason, Halle McKoy, Ethan Reum, Kaden Rivera, Kelsey Scott, and Faye Valdespino) who tell of the tragedy and suffering awaiting them at the hands of the formidable headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Viola Carey-Louden).Terrified, the children arrive at their classroom, only to discover that their teacher, Miss Honey (Londyn Hutcherson), is sweet and kind. 

After terrorizing the students (and Miss Honey) for weeks, Miss Trunchbull threatens to put an innocent student in the torturous “Chokey.” Matilda experiences a surge of anger at the injustice and performs a feat of magic with her mind. When Miss Trunchbull takes over Miss Honey’s class, the kids all rise up together in rebellion and Matilda uses her mind powers to frighten Miss Trunchbull into leaving. The rebellious kids bask in the glory of revolution!

Meanwhile, Mr. Wormwood’s dishonest car dealings have been discovered and the family–along with Mrs. Wormwood’s dance instructor Rudolpho (Holden Dunlap) are fleeing to Spain. Matilda convinces Sergei (James Schreiner), one of the men who was conned, to spare her family. Matilda decides to stay behind with Miss Honey, who enthusiastically adopts her.

The ensemble also includes Caroline Correll, Brinlee Dworak, Lillyana Franklin, Lucy McKoy, Olive Miller, and Mia Warkins. Willow Harrod, Emma Feeney, Keeley McClish and Lilly Morrison are the crew that support the magical performances. The directing team is Katie Carey, Zach Duval, and Sydney Loudermilk, with music assistance from Erin Kilduff.

Many hours and incredible amounts of energy went into this wonderful production, and many cast members have learned valuable lessons about theater and themselves.

“Throughout my journey of being a student actor, I have learned the importance of patience and resilience,” said eighth-grader Londyn Hutcherson.

“Theater is a safe place where I can be myself and express different ideas and thoughts. I also can hang out with my friends after school and enjoy learning about theater and different ways to express my role in the play,” commented seventh-grader Charlotte Beattie.

“While participating in Matilda Jr, I have learned that everyone is special and can be creative all the time,” shared fifth-grader Jubilee Ledahl.

The show runs May 15 at 6:30 p.m. and May 16 at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Somers Middle School, 315 School Addition Rd, Somers. Tickets are $8 each or $30 per family and are available at the door with cash or check or on GoFan by searching Somers Middle School.