Every once in a while there’s something extraordinary. Three of Hidden Valley Middle School’s extraordinarily talented students have been selected to perform in Mill Mountain Theatre’s MainStage production of “Matilda the Musical.”
Hidden Valley Middle Students, Amelia Raring, Jack Swank and Natalie Thorell shine on stage in “Matilda the Musical” – joining 20 other youth performers from across Southwest Virginia.
Raring makes her Trinkle MainStage debut as the brilliantly resilient, Matilda. Raring is a member of Mill Mountain Theatre’s Conservatory program and recently performed in “Peter and Wendy” in the roles of Master Panther and Mermaid #2. Returning to the Trinkle MainStage as Nigel, a friend of Matilda, this role is portrayed by Swank. Prior to Matilda, Swank recently performed in Mill Mountain Theatre’s production of Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn” as Charlie Winslow and starred as Peter Pan in “Peter and Wendy.” Dancing back onto the Trinkle MainStage is Thorell, who plays Hortensia and is a part of the 18-member ensemble. Thorell frequently takes classes at Mill Mountain Theatre Conservatory and recently joined Raring and Swank on stage as Tinker Bell in “Peter and Wendy.”
Under the guidance of guest director and choreographer, Héctor Flores Jr., from New York City, these Broadway-caliber students have undergone a rigorous three-week rehearsal process to prepare for an incredible run of 14 shows over two weeks.
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other’s lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize but also appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!
The musical adaptation took over London’s West End in 2011 and claimed seven Olivier Awards® including Best Musical. The beloved musical transferred to Broadway in 2013 where the show won four Tony Awards® including Best Book of a Musical.
The complete cast comprises several seasoned stage veterans such as Ben Armstrong (Doctor/Ensemble), Alivia Brown (Ensemble), Carter Cecil (Ensemble), Drew D’Alessandro (Tommy/Ensemble), Rory Grant (Bruce), Emma Harvey (Ensemble), Elise LeGault (Ensemble), Sylvia MacNab (Ensemble), Eve McLoney (Alice), Belle McNamara (Amanda), Caroline Moledor (Mrs. Wormwood), James Moledor (Rudolpho/Ensemble), Riley Parks (Ensemble), Ruth Parsons (Lavender), Amelia Raring (Matilda), Jadyn Rhodes (Ensemble), William Richardson (Ensemble), Ellen Riegger (Mrs. Phelps), Brent Saunders (Eric), Ruby Spence (Trunchbull), Jack Swank (Nigel), Natalie Thorell (Hotensia/Ensemble), Ann Marie Thorell (Ensemble), Lilah Vanke (Miss Honey), Holden White (Michael Wormwood), DeMarion Williams (Escapologist/Ensemble) and Cameron Wimbish (Mr. Wormwood).
Filling out the creative team for “Matilda the Musical” is Ginger Poole (Producing Artistic Director), Héctor Flores Jr. (Director/Choreographer), Bethany Costello (Music Director), Will Farris (Production Stage Manager), Tyler Osgood (Rehearsal Stage Manager), Ashlinn Blevins (Assistant Stage Manager), Jimmy Ray Ward (Scenic Designer), Addie Pawlick (Lighting Designer), Sarah Holsted (Props Designer), Jessica Gaffney (Costume Designer), Savannah Woodruff (Sound Designer) and Matt Shields (Director of Production). A digital program is provided by Marquee Digital.
“Matilda the Musical” will take place from July 26th through August 6th on the Trinkle MainStage. For more information, visit millmountain.org or call the box office at 540-342-5740.
Sponsors and grantors include Carilion Clinic, Dunkenberger-Waskey Group at Morgan Stanley, Adobe Creative Cloud Express, American National Bank & Trust Company, B.J. Preas, Boxley Materials, Business Solutions Inc., Cary Street Partners, Cox Communications, Davis H. Elliot Company, Delta Dental of Virginia, Member One Federal Credit Union, Fire Station One Boutique Hotel, Nancy Ruth Patterson, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Punch Boutique, Roanoke Valley Orthodontics, The Candy Store, TheRoanokeStar.com, TXTUR, The Shubert Foundation, ZenBusiness, Center in the Square, National Endowment for the Arts and Virginia Commission for the Arts.
