Caldwell Arts Academy brings a classic Disney favorite to life in their musical productions of Matilda JR. and Matilda. The shows presented in a special arrangement with Music Theatre International features many of the story’s favorite characters, such as Matilda, Ms. Trunchbull, Ms. Honey, and Mr. Wormwood. Audiences will enjoy incredible lighting and set designs.
Each November, Caldwell students put on a major production. Caldwell Arts Academy Principal Bobby Markle says the school vision for this musical is to create a grand Broadway-Esque scale the community enjoys, and the students deserve.
“Managing a production of this size and scale takes time, and our students put in tremendous work to achieve success on the stage,” Markle said. “The musical program has a rich history for Caldwell, and our current directors Shawna Lynch and Dereck Johnson give the students an experience that stays with them for a lifetime.”
Markle said the cast and crew in Matilda JR. involve 70 third, fourth, and fifth-grade students. And 35 sixth, seventh, and eighth graders are in Matilda. The students have been working on the musical with Caldwell directors and staff since September. This program is an afternoon extension to our advanced drama curriculum executed in the classroom.
7th-grader Zoe Lee and 8th- grader Tommy Shick are excited about the show and the experience. “Everyone in the cast has worked so hard to make the best show that we can,” Zoe said. “The directors have pushed to be our best in our character,” Tommy said, adding that creating a character is his favorite part. “I enjoy being able to make a fictional character come to life! The best part is seeing the audience and letting them witness your story.”
Markle said the set is custom designed and built with the help of many parent volunteers. “We want to produce a high-quality show that matches the talent of our students,” Markle said. “Our planning and fundraising efforts have helped us be able to accomplish that.”
Previous performances by Caldwell Arts Academy include Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, Alice in Wonderland, James and the Giant Peach, and The Lion King.
Tickets and showtime information for both Matilda JR. and Matilda productions are below:
Matilda JR. (3rd through 5th-grade performance) Running Time: 1:15
November 18, 6 p.m.
November 19, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Caldwell Auditorium, 330 South College Ave.
Tickets: $5 each through https://caldwellartsacademy.brushfire.com
Matilda (6th through 8th-grade performance) Running Time: 2:00
December 9, 7 p.m.
December 10, 7 p.m.
December 11, 7 p.m.
Caldwell Auditorium, 330 South College Ave.
Tickets: $10 each through https://caldwellartsacademy.brushfire.com
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at 903-262-1064.