‘Matilda the Musical’ opening Friday through Sunday

Honesdale High School musical' production of Roald Dahl's "Matilda the Musical" opening this weekend, debuts seniors Olivia Pinto as Matilda, Lily Taraschuk as Miss Honey, Ruth Ihlefeldt as Miss Agatha Trunchbull, Blaine Bolella as Mr. Wormwood, and Justin R. Schumacher as Rudolpho.

Performances are at 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, February 14-15, and 2 p.m. Sunday, February 16, 2025, in the Honesdale High School Performing Arts Center, 459 Terrace Street, Honesdale. 

"I'm really excited to be playing this role, because I feel like I'm kind of similar to Matilda in real life," Pinto said. "I love to read books."

The encore cast includes Anna Passarelli* (Mrs. Wormwood), Drew Daniels* (Michael Wormwood/Dad 1/Cook/Big Kids), Moira Lawrence* (Mrs. Phelps/Mum 1/Nurse), Liam Platt* (Dad 3/Bruce), Shanzay Salman (Lavender), Sean Smith* (The Escapologist), Brenna Miller (The Acrobat), Mason D’Albora* (Dad 2/Eric/Sergei), Alina Shanfelder* (Amanda), Calvin M. Rosar (Nigel/Henchman 1), Ellie Pasquini* (Alice), Abby Mizwinski* (Hortensia), Brynn Derrick* (Mum 4/Big Kids), Jocelyn Hnath* (Tommy (Tammy)).

Featuring “Big Kids” Makayla Aikens, Renée Miller*, Andrew Bortree, Alexandria Schumacher, Madison Mertz*, Marley Reynolds, Robert Ammann, Echo Cruse, Kyra Dawo, Delia Goff, Lindsey Schneider, Madison Stokoe and “Little Kids” Abigail Decker, Yailin Guzman*, Madison Hamilton, Saphyra Olver, Harriet Roden, and Sara Rosas.

The musical is directed by Scott D. Miller; with musical direction by Martha Curtis, choreography by Mason Marie Clark, the live orchestra pit is conducted by Betty Ann Robson with assistant music director Geri Spinosa, technical director by Shawn P. Garing, and set design by Stacy Roerig.

The show also features student directors and choreographers Justin R. Schumacher and Anna Passarelli.

"'Matilda' is a show about a little girl who wants to change her life for the better," said director Scott D. Miller. "She doesn't let the bullies of her life define her story."

At home, Matilda must contend with her neglectful and self-absorbed parents and dim brother Michael, whom her parents favor over her. At school, Matilda must also face the cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull.

Matilda finds solace in books and her vivid imagination. She also finds refuge with her teacher Miss Honey who, though well-intentioned, is shy and fragile.

Matilda knows she has to stand up against the adults in her world, and in doing so, discovers she has remarkable telekinetic powers.

Based on Dahl's 1988 children's novel "Matilda," the musical is written by Dennis Kelly with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. It premiered in the West End of London in 2011, and on Broadway in 2013. A film version of the musical was released on Netflix in 2022. The book was adapted into the 1996 movie of the same name, starring Mara Wilson and directed by Danny DeVito.

Tickets are available online at honesdalepac.com, by calling (570) 251-9831, or in person.

This show has some "British humor" and scary elements.

"Audiences can look forward to hijinks," Miller said. "Magic. Laughs. A little bit of tears. Probably some surprises. And a whole lot of really, really talented people."

"This is an amazing show full of characters with big personalities. whether you're the mean Trunchbull, the absent parents or the fun-loving librarian, there is something that everyone can connect with," he said.