MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Youth Theatre will present Roald Dahl’s Matilda Jr., the Musical on the stage of the Renaissance Theatre September 12, 13, and 14 as part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series.
Performances will take place at 7 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 PM on Sunday.
Dauphne Maloney directs the show with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors. Tickets are $15, general admission, and on sale now at the Renaissance Box Office, via phone, and online at www.rentickets.org.
A free sensory-friendly performance of Matilda Jr. will be offered Saturday, September 13 at 1 PM for families of individuals on the autism spectrum and with other sensory processing needs. Interested individuals must register for their free tickets by visiting or calling the Renaissance Education Department at (419) 522-2726, extension 212. A limited number of tickets is available for the sensory-friendly performance and no walk-ups will be accommodated.
Matilda Jr. has astonishing wit, intelligence… and special powers. She’s unloved by her parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the lovable Miss Honey. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and delights in cruel punishments. But Matilda’s courage and cleverness may be the saving grace her fellow students need. Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, this youth adaptation is a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination.
“It’s been such a joy to work with this incredible cast of young performers. Their enthusiasm and dedication bring so much heart to Matilda Jr.,” shares Maloney. “Their commitment to the script and music helps them tell this story of rebellion, imagination, and empowerment that makes this show so special.”
The cast is composed of over 50 students between the ages of 8–18 from area schools including Ashland, Clearfork, Crestview, Lexington, Lucas, Madison, Mansfield, Ontario, Shelby, and more. Leading the cast are Estel Bramlage as Matilda Wormwood, Payne Schwartz as headmistress Agatha Trunchbull, and Josephine Foster as Miss Honey. The Wormwood family is portrayed by Graycen Stevens (Mr. Wormwood), Nicky Morabito (Michael Wormwood), and Lilly Bailey (Mrs. Wormwood).
Additional cast members and ensemble include students from across the region representing Ashland, Richland, Crawford, Huron, Morrow, and Knox counties.
Inspired by Roald Dahl’s beloved book, with book by Dennis Kelly and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, Matilda Jr. is a specially adapted version of the award-winning full-length musical, designed for younger performers while retaining all the magic and fun of the original.