Kids to take Park stage this weekend for 'Matilda Jr.'

Leaping straight off the pages of Roald Dahl's beloved book, Matilda will take over the Park Theater this weekend.

Warren Arts will present "Matilda Jr. The Musical" Friday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. A cast of over 60 young actors will bring to life the story of a girl who uses her outstanding intelligence and telekinetic powers to navigate a series of obstacles including unloving parents and a mean school headmistress. "Matilda Jr." features several high-energy dance routines and toe-tapping songs to show there is nothing a little girl with imagination can't do.

Making up the cast are Matilda - Mada Law; Miss Honey - Luella Pelham; Agatha Trunchbull - Finnley Killian; Amanda - Lorelai Hillis; Lavender - Haddie Adcock; Alice - Maddie Avey; Tommy - Maggie Rogers; Hortensia - Tenny Alford; Mrs. Phelps - Lyla Molloy; Bruce - James Walters; Nigel - Parker Knowles; Eric - Landon Acker; Michael - Bentley Perez; Rudolpho - Irie Miller; Mr. Wormwood - Noah Kelley; Mrs. Wormwood - Raylee Vinson; Escapologist - Aidyn Harris; Acrobat - Violet Hardin; Sergei - Blakely Martin; Big Kid 1 - Jax Honeycutt; Big Kid 2 - Leilani Alambatin; Big Kid 3 - Kate Gibbs; Mechanic - Mary Coller; Moms and Dads - Nila Dupuis, Norah McNeal, Mary Collier, Adeline Collier, Vera McClain, Claire Gibbs, Kennedy Gibbs, Phoebe Smith, Eris Trezoik, Adalyn Reaves, Veronica Presley; Russians - Iva Newman, Kinsley Knowles, Norah Bates, Madilyn Ford, Nora Harvey; Big Kids - Sophia Tankersley, Addie Smith, Nora Harris, Eli Kelley, Riley Sneed, Sophia Walker, Chevy Anne Marie Murphy, Cassidy Barnes, Selah Kelley, Sofia Flores, Jaianna Carr, Jaedyn Heintz; Little Kids - Abigail Aguilar, Rachel Perez, Wenzdai Ward, Amryn Wiley, Darcy Shelton, Elizabeth Meredith, Mars Beaudry, Whellen Stewart, Ottilie Pelham, Phoebe Robbins, Tommy Harvey and Elliot Harvey.

Overseeing a production with such a large cast of young actors is no easy task, and that role for "Matilda Jr." is being filled by directors Mary Wanamaker and Vicki Fults. Assisting the duo behind the scenes are music director Takota Moore; choreographer Violet Hardin; set designer, sound engineer and stage manager Gregg Garrison; costume designer Kathy Elam; stage manager and costume designer Sara Nuckols and lighting designer Cecelia Hunt.

The project is a labor of love for Wanamaker who has long shared an affinity for Dahl's story of the extraordinary little girl.

"I've loved the story of Matilda since I was a child, and I'm really excited to bring the show to McMinnville," Wanamaker said. "It's been great working with this large, enthusiastic group of kids. I'm so thankful for all the effort they are putting into this as well as everything the crew behind the scenes is doing to bring this show to the Park stage."

Park Theater management is happy to partner with Warren Arts to provide an opportunity for local children – many new to the theater world – to take the stage of the historic venue and perhaps discover a lifelong love for the arts.

"This is another kids production we are so proud to have brought to life here," Park Theater Manager Joe Harvey said. "The cast and crew have been working so hard on the show, and we want to invite the community to support them and see what they have created together."

Tickets for the three shows are $10 plus tax for students and $15 plus tax for adults and are available at the Park Theater website or at the door beginning approximately one hour before the hour and a half show.