Directors Note

Matilda was published in 1988, over 30 years ago! And Roald Dahl died 2 years later in 1990.

Roald Dahl was a curious child who loved to read. He spent his difficult early childhood in boarding school, away from his family, and learned to escape through reading. In a nearly autobiographical way, Matilda too finds escape through the stories she reads.

Roald Dahl was worried that reading was being overtaken by TV watching (as seen in the Mike Teavee character in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which he also wrote) and he wanted to inspire children to read more. He name-drops some classics in Matilda like Animal Farm, Jane Eyre, Great Expectations and Moby Dick, amongst others!

“I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn't be daunting, they should be funny, exciting, and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.”- Roald Dahl

We believe the same is true of theater. From classic works to musical theatre, the performing arts have a way of teaching us what it is to be joyful participants in the rigor of life. And life, like books and plays, should be funny, exciting, and wonderful. That is why in this production we are delighted you will see 8 - 17-year-olds all playing on this playground we call a stage. With balance beams, shadow puppets, and fantastic dance numbers we are proud to present you with a story about the power of a little girl who decided she could and so she did.

May we all be inspired by the imagination of a child to play more, be brave, and maybe read more.

A teenage girl with long brown hair smiles warmly wearing a pink cardigan over a floral dress.
A smiling blonde girl in school uniform holds an open book while looking up with joy and excitement.

Photos By Megs Levi

A young performer in a brown costume and black wig portrays a stern character in a stage production.

Sometimes you have to be a little bit...creative

Working on Matilda within the limitations of our stage and wing space pushed us toward a modular set design, which ultimately opened the door for greater creativity. We explored elements like shadow puppetry and incorporated more circus-inspired, playful staging choices. We got to play with pulling set pieces off and making something bigger - almost like a pop up book. The result was a set that felt like a true playground—dynamic, imaginative, and full of possibility.

Children perform on a colorful stage in vibrant costumes during an energetic musical theater production.
Two young actresses perform a scene on a book-filled stage set during a school theater production.
A full cast of young performers takes a bow on a colorful stage set at the end of a musical production.
Two colorfully costumed performers on stage, one in plaid suit and pink top, during a vibrant theatrical production.
Performer leaps above seated children in matching costumes on a letter-themed stage set during a theatrical show.
Female dancer in red dress performs high kick lift with male partner on a letter-decorated theatrical stage.
Young girl in blue dress stands elevated on stage set while surrounded by cast members in a theater production.
Two performers create dramatic shadow puppet silhouettes on illuminated screens during a theatrical stage production.
Young performer in white numbered costume sings solo under blue stage lighting in an emotional theater scene.
A boy in a navy suit pretends to bite an oversized chocolate bar prop in a theatrical production.

Photos by Megs Levi

A young male performer in a green plaid suit and matching hat with bright green wig grins mischievously.