Sixth-grader Sawyer Terry of White Hall makes her theatrical debut as Matilda in the ARTx3 Campus’ production of Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical” opening this week.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 26-27, and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 28, in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. Those attending the Friday performance are invited to stay after the show for an opening-night reception.
Almost 50 young people auditioned for the title role of Matilda, according to a news release.
“I’m really excited to be playing this role, because I feel like I’m kind of similar to Matilda in real life,” Terry said. “I love to read books.”
The rest of the cast includes Avery M. Martin (Amanda), Parker Richards (Tommy), Raymond Wallace (ensemble), Rosalie Kline (Alice) and Teanna Williams (ensemble), all of Pine Bluff; Allison Carraway (Eric), Brandt Lunsford (Bruce), Heather Lunsford (ensemble), Langston Cosner (Hortensia) and Rory Earnest-Lake (Nigel), all of White Hall; Addie Ashcraft (Lavender) of Bryant; Mary Conley (ensemble) of Redfield; Addison Dean (ensemble) of Star City; and Lily Jennings (ensemble) of Woodlawn.
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Musical direction is by Melody Gere of White Hall, choreography is by Grace McKissic of Pine Bluff and stage management is by Kayla Earnest of White Hall. The production is sponsored by Simmons Bank.
“‘Matilda’ is a show about a little girl who wants to change her life for the better,” said director Bethany Gere. “She doesn’t let the bullies of her life define her story.”
At home, Matilda must contend with her neglectful and self-absorbed parents (portrayed by K.C. Rowland and Susan Jones Harris, both of Pine Bluff) and dim brother Michael (Isaiah Austin of Pine Bluff), whom her parents favor over her, according to a synopsis of the play. At school, Matilda must also face the cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Keiren Minter of Pine Bluff).
Matilda finds solace in books and her vivid imagination. She also finds refuge with her teacher Miss Honey (Emily Burris of Little Rock) who, though well-intentioned, is shy and fragile.
Matilda knows she has to stand up against the adults in her world, and in doing so, discovers she has remarkable telekinetic powers, according to a synopsis.
In connection with the “Matilda” show, the ARTx3 Campus held a used children’s book drive and collected approximately 960 books. Visitors and “Matilda” theatergoers are encouraged to take home books through the end of the show’s run or until the books are gone.
Based on Dahl’s 1988 children’s novel “Matilda,” the musical is written by Dennis Kelly with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. It premiered in the West End of London in 2011, and on Broadway in 2013. A film version of the musical was released on Netflix in 2022. The book was adapted into the 1996 movie of the same name, starring Mara Wilson and directed by Danny DeVito.
Tickets are $20 for members and ages 65 and older, and $25 for nonmembers. They may be purchased at artx3.org/matilda, by calling (870) 536-3375 or in person.
This show is PG-rated, Gere said, noting that it has some “British humor” and scary elements.
“Audiences can look forward to hijinks,” Gere said. “Magic. Laughs. A little bit of tears. Probably some surprises. And a whole lot of really, really talented people.”
“This is an amazing show full of characters with big personalities. whether you’re the mean Trunchbull, the absent parents or the fun-loving librarian, there is something that everyone can connect with,” she said.
Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Crunchem Hall students face the cruel headmistress Miss Trunchbell (played by Keiren Minter, right) in Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. (Special to The Commercial/ARTx3 Campus)