Revolting children are taking over the Evergreen Playhouse’s stage Friday, March 7 through Sunday, March 23, as the theater presents “Roald Dahl’s Matilda, The Musical.”
“Come with us, as we transport you into a magical book full of slimy newts, the most irresistible chocolate cake, acrobats and escapologists, and even more books!” director Sarah Amador wrote in a director’s note.
A musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book, “Matilda” follows the titular protagonist (Ami Matthews) as she leaves her cruel home life to start her first term at school, where she and her classmates have to reckon with the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull (Travis Tingvall). Matilda forges a bond with teacher Miss Honey (Brooke Upton) and, with courage, cleverness, and a bit of magic, she writes her own happy ending.
“It’s just a good show to come in ready to use your imagination and play, and then just to be willing to kind of take the journey with Matilda figuring out what life is like outside of her own home and in a school where she doesn’t feel cared for, and then finding home and family in non-traditional places,” said Upton.
When asked what the show was about, 10-year-old Ami said, “Self-healing and standing up for what’s right.”
Matilda was a dream role for Ami, who said “the original movie and musical was literally my childhood,” adding that the film adaptation of the musical released in 2022 renewed their love for the story.
Miss Honey was similarly a dream role for Upton, who grew up watching the 1996 film adaptation of “Matilda” and used to work as an elementary school music teacher.
“Now that I’m not teaching anymore, this is kind of the best of all the worlds, getting to work with the kids and the adults and bringing a little hope to the kids in the face of Miss Trunchbull’s evil villain character,” Upton said.
“Matilda, The Musical,” is Amador’s directorial debut.
“The story of Matilda has always been very near and dear to my heart, and I have always loved the fantastical world Roald Dahl created,” Amador wrote in a director’s note. “ … Throughout the production process, I have learned so much about the magical world of theater, and so much about myself. I have had sparks of inspiration, and moments of doubt about my own creative eye, but ultimately, I am grateful and proud to have worked with such an amazing cast and crew — we have such amazing talent in our own backyard!”
Regular performance times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. A pay-what-you-can actor’s benefit performance is also scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 13.
The show was mostly sold out as of Wednesday afternoon, but limited tickets are available for purchase at https://evergreenplayhouse.com/season65.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $17 for students and seniors.
The Evergreen Playhouse is located at 226 W. Center St. in Centralia.
For more information and updates on available tickets for upcoming shows, visit https://www.facebook.com/EvergreenPlayhouse.
Cast list
Matilda: Ami Matthews
Michael Wormwood/Escapologist/Big Kid: Alika Vargas
Harry Wormwood: Kameron Bustetter
Zinnia Wormwood: Makaelynn Manning
Jennifer Honey: Brooke Upton
Agatha Trunchbull: Travis Tingvall
Bruce Bogtrotter: Stephen Shankle
Lavender/Music Captain: Eliana Allin
Ms. Phelps/Ensemble: Michelle Koenen
Acrobat/Big Kid/Music Captain: Ruby Stanton
Rudolpho/Ensemble: Heather Matthews
Sergei/Ensemble: Catherine Ricalde
Doctor/Ensemble: Ben Matthews
Cook/Ensemble: Derek Wilson
Entertainer/Ensemble : Dodi Forgione
Mechanic/Ensemble: Emilie Brown
Magic/Ensemble/Dance Captain: Naomi Dugaw
Alice: Jocelyn Smith
Amanda: Leighton Hughes-Hernandez
Eric: Aaron Gomez
Hortensia: Violet Swehosky
Nigel: Malcolm Halderman
Tommy: Zoey Matthews
Roger: Nathaniel McKenzieSullivan
Big Kid/Dance Captain: Izumi Huff
Big Kid/Stage Captain: Kody Paterson
Crew list
Director: Sarah Amador
Vocal director: Theresa McKenzieSullivan
Stage manager: Tim Donnell
Choreographer: Celeste Elaine
Youth production assistant: Malyssah Halderman
Set design/construction: Theresa McKenzieSullivan, Isaac McKenzieSullivan, Mark Pendleton, Brian Hollander
Props/set dressing: Alene Stewart
Costumes/house manager: Matthew Michael
Light design/poster and program design: Danielle Kays
Sound board operator: Sydney Keith
Light board operator: Eliza Conner
