Out & About

‘Matilda the Musical’ Takes The Stage in St. Clairsville

ST. CLAIRSVILLE -- Students from St. Clairsville High School are bringing "Matilda the Musical" to the stage with performances that continue nightly this weekend and next week, as well.

Performances take place today, Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22, and next week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, April 27-29. All showtimes are at 7 p.m. in the St. Clairsville Middle School Auditorium.

The stage adaptation of author Roald Dahl's whimsically twisted children's novel "Matilda" offers a hilarious look into the trials and triumphs of a precocious little girl, her zany yet uncaring parents and her tyrannical headmistress. One of the most celebrated books by Dahl (who penned "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Fantastic Mr. Fox" and many others), "Matilda" was made into a feature film in 1996. The musical version of "Matilda" opened on Broadway in 2013 to rave reviews, and a major motion picture version of the popular musical was released in 2022.

"I've never done 'Matilda' before," said Wayne Berk, veteran high school musical director and head of St. Clairsville High School's Vocal Music Department. "It's certainly wacky and comical. It's super fun music, and the kids are doing great. They're all-in, all of the time. It's been a fun group to work with."

Berk said it was just the right year to present the quirky musical gem, one he suspects audiences will love.

"We had the perfect upperclassmen combination of kids, and we had a very young crew," he said. "That's kind of what I was waiting for with 'Matilda,' because obviously it's supposed to be elementary school kids, so trying to pull off that look in high school is always challenging.

"But we've made it fit with all of the characters."

Senior Madyson Drosieko, playing the role of Mrs. Wormwood, said this is a show no one will want to miss.

"The costuming, the acting, the dancing and everything put together is just like nothing I've ever seen before in my four years of doing musicals here," Droseiko said. "I like all of the fun numbers, and I especially love dancing with Rudolpho and doing our salsa dance together. I think my favorite part of the show is 'Revolting Children,' because the choreography is amazing."

Playing the overbearing headmistress Miss Agatha Trunchbull is senior Jake Alvey, who said "Matilda" has the potential to be one of St. C.'s best shows in years.

"The music's amazing - super fun songs, and the show is really genuinely funny," Alvey said, who noted that the outrageous Miss Trunchbull is truly over-the-top. "It's interesting because it's such a unique character. There's really no other role that's quite like this. It's an iconic villain, and it's a blast to play. I've always wanted to have a big, crazy character role, and I got my wish this year, so it's been fun."

The title character of Matilda Wormwood is played by senior Zoey Russell, who said the darkly comical characters and outlandish situations should keep audiences thoroughly entertained.

"It's strange - there's lots of weird elements," Russell said. "Scenes are just fun and have things that we've never done before. It's going to be really funny. The character of Rudolpho makes me laugh every time. Miss Trunchbull is a dark character, but she'll make a lot of people laugh, as well."

The cast also includes Leandra Hastings as Miss Honey, Josh Alvey as Mr. Wormwood, Austyn Carte as Michael Wormwood, Rowan Flanagan as Mrs. Phelps, Chas Anderson as Bruce, Gabriella Gasmire as Lavender, Braydon Harris-Trapp as The Escapologist and the Doctor, Sarah Schnelle as The Acrobat, Caleb McKeegan as Rudolpho, Lola Anderson as Amanda and the Children's Entertainer, Talan Rice as Nigel, and Drew Roberts as the Cook.

Performing in roles as nurses and/or students are Angelina Applegarth, Kelsea Case, Samantha Jarrett, Elewyn Mack, Sarah Schnelle, Elana Thurman, Isabella Yeager, Alayna Clark, Deja DeFelice, McKenna Everson, Kane Flanagan, Laura Griffith, Caleb McKeegan, McKenna Miller, Avamarie Norris, Addison Payne and Drew Roberts.

Members of the production crew and creative team include Choreographer Brooke Smolder, Sound Engineer Madison Sadler, Music Sound Engineer Ava Poe, Lighting Engineer Lacy Tuttle, Backdrop Engineer Katie Alvey, Spotlight Operators Clowee Bowers and Erin O'Grady, and Stage Managers Mya Fortner and Dereque Johnson.

In addition to his role as director, Berk also headed set design and construction, and in addition to her role as assistant director, Rateno also served as costume coordinator and program designer.

Tickets can be purchased online at stcschools.com on the "Choir Department" link under the Activities tab on the home page.

If they are still available, tickets can also be purchased at the door on the night of each show. (There have been a number of sell-out shows in recent years).

"If you come out -- for $10 you're going to get two hours of fantastic entertainment," Berk said. "You're going to see kids performing and working at a high level. It's a fun show -- it's going to make you laugh. It'll be great to come out and support these students for what they're working hard to do -- to entertain people who come to the show."

For the latest information, visit the St. Clairsville Musical Theatre's officials Facebook page.