TURNERS FALLS — Following a COVID-19-imposed setback, Great Falls Middle School and Turners Falls High School students have recouped to premiere their long-awaited production of the musical “Matilda.”
The musical will be performed at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 1, and Friday, July 2, in the Turners Falls High School auditorium. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and $5 for children.
“Matilda,” adapted from a book written by Roald Dahl, is a musical about a young, intellectually gifted girl who battles her inhibitive parents. She befriends her teacher, “Miss Honey,” who recognizes Matilda’s gifts and supports her as she discovers telekinetic abilities. All the while, Matilda learns to embrace her individuality and what her mind is capable of.
A collaborative effort between middle schoolers, high schoolers and various outside helpers, the theatrical process at the school has become a comeback story. Having been just two weeks away from the premiere prior to the end of in-person schooling in March of 2020, the adjustment has been anything but conventional over a year later.
While the production is largely a matter of unfinished business for returning cast and crew members, not everything — or everyone — could pick up where they left off.
“Last year, we had over 40 kids involved in the production,” said Kimberly Rose, the play’s director. “We did lose about 40 percent of the production. … We lost a huge group of seniors.”
In addition to seniors graduating, various individual circumstances and last-minute approval for the production’s continuation necessitated innovative casting and invitations to join the backstage crew. Joining those originally involved are actors from other schools and adult staff members turned thespians.
Still, some who are involved with the production embrace this diversity, which they say pairs well with the existing combination of middle and high school students.
“The musical is definitely the one curricular activity that is completely immersed,” Rose said.
Jonathan Bodenstein, a high school junior who plays Mr. Wormwood and the escapologist in “Matilda,” said the benefits of such diversity are palpable, even from an outside perspective.
“The chemistry between high schoolers and middle schoolers is just different,” he said. “I think it adds a dynamic that is interesting for the audience to see.”
Some of the most integral members of the production are also some of the youngest. Sixth-graders Adeline Mayo and Markie Vachula-Curtis, who both play Matilda, cite adversities that come with returning to their roles, especially since this is each of their first major castings.
“It’s kind of stressful,” Adeline said.
Freshman Ian Farrick, who plays Headmistress Agatha Trunchbull, added that coming back was somewhat of a mental adjustment.
“Honestly, it had already settled in that it was already canceled,” Ian said of the musical. “I was mentally prepared to move on.”
Still, there is a collective enthusiasm that remains between those involved.
“When I first came back, I was really excited,” Markie commented.
Some even see novelty in having a second chapter.
“It’s like a big flow of memories going to the brain,” Adeline said.
Adult staff and crew members said they understand the struggle everyone has endured to rebuild the production, but also that the morale they’ve observed is nothing short of inspiring.
“Coming back, it’s actually been refreshingly enthusiastic,” said Mandy Oliver, music co-director who has also taken on the role of Rudolpho. “There’s just something to be said about their resilience.”
One of the more inspirational aspects of the “Matilda” production lies within the story itself, which largely entails themes of child empowerment, overcoming adversity and fighting for what is right.
“Turners Falls is a very trauma-heavy town,” Rose said. “I just found that students would find it relatable.”
“This show is a lot about empowering kids that sometimes know better than adults,” added Jessica Vachula-Curtis, who plays Mrs. Phelps and the librarian.
“It’s been really inspirational,” Oliver continued. “Magic exists.”
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.