'Matilda: The Musical' teaches audiences we all have the power to change the world

WEST LAFAYETTE − Students involved with the upcoming musical at Ridgewood High School said it's magical, funny and something different for the public to enjoy.

"Roald Dahl's Matilda: The Musical" is based on the classic children's book. Coshocton High School presented "James the Giant Peach: The Musical" also based on a book by Dahl earlier this year.

The play is based on the 1988 novel and debuted in the United Kingdom in 2011. It went to Broadway in 2013 and a film version was released in 2022. The general story has the title telekinetic overcoming obstacles of her school and family life while helping out her favorite teacher to reclaim her life. A 1996 movie based on the original book starred Danny DeVito and Mara Wilson.

Musical Director Haley Evans said the Dahl quote "inside all of us is the power to change the world" is a sentiment they try to instill in students. It's a show with youth empowerment and Evans felt it best fit the students currently involved in drama.

"We were looking for something that would inspire that hopefulness. We wanted to do a more modern style show," Evans said. "The lyrics in it are so clever. It's a really fun show with a good message to it. It's a British musical, so it's very witty, very sarcastic and that seems to connect with the kids."

There are 38 youth involved in the Ridgewood production, including those from elementary and middle school. Evans gave credit to music teacher Shannon Folkert for getting the younger students interested in musicals and performance.

Sixth-grader Vayda Dickerson who stars as Matilda said she's always liked singing and thought doing the show would be fun. She said the high school teens have been very nice and helpful to the younger students. Her favorite song is "Loud."

"It's helped me to meet new people and it's a different crowd than I normally hang out with," Dickerson said of the production. "It's going to be really fun and funny to watch."

Sixth-grader Ethan Crawford plays Bruce, one of Matilda's friends who starts out as timid, but eventually speaks out and finds his voice. Something acting is helping Crawford with too.

"I feel like I can fit in more. I feel welcome here," Crawford said as he looked around the auditorium.

The production has received a lot of community support from alumni working in a backstage capacity to local businesses and individuals sponsoring costume rentals. Most of the actors wear at least two costumes.

Sophomore Emily Maple is Mrs. Phelps, the hippy librarian who guides Matilda through much of the story. She said they're grateful for all the support they get from outside the school. It demonstrates how adults care for the next generation.

"It just shows how close knit our community is and how we're all there for each other. We're all thankful for the support we get and wouldn't be able to do the show without it," Maple said.

Senior Mattalyn Kiser plays Miss Trunchbull, the evil teacher the students eventually rebel against. It was the part she wanted as it involved some slapstick comedy and playing the villain. Her favorite song is "Revolting Children."

She appreciates the theater opportunities she's had at Ridgewood. She hopes to continue on with theater and band this fall when she attends the University of Mount Union to major in pre-law.

"I feel it's good to not only focus on academics. It's good to have a different thing to do, an extra activity. I've met a lot of my friends here and it's a good place to find common ground," Kiser said. "We like to show off a little bit to the community, be different, unique and put our talents out there."

"Matilda: The Musical" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, in the auditorium of Ridgewood High School, 602 Johnson St. Tickets are $10 and available online.

The main cast features Mattalyn Kiser, Alaina Swiney, Taven Dotson, Emily Fechuch, Finn Hamilton, Emily Maple, Madi Wilkin, Jensen Cunningham, Kenzie Bice, L.J. Grimmett, Jensen Cunningham, Mady Griffith and Charlotte Seibert.

In the ensemble are Liah Alloway, Jerica Bennett, Kenzie Bice, Laura Bice, Laura Bintz, Sophia Buck, Jensen Cunningham, Emily Fechuch, Mady Griffith, L.J. Grimmett, Finn Hamilton, Zaya Hasham, Bridget Kobel, Kaylee Kunze, Emily Maple, Ben McCurdy, Samantha Miller, Eris Parks, Charlotte Seibert, Karie Sells, Preslee Stevens and Madi Wilkin.

The youth cast includes Lucy Bahmer, Ruby Bluck, Kennedy Carter, Ethan Crawford, Vayda Dickerson, Astrid Ely, Tristan Sheaffer, Zoey Sheaffer and K.J. Stoffer.

Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with more than 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @llhayhurst.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Ridgewood High School students present 'Matilda: The Musical'