Full of catchy songs, high-energy dance numbers and special effects, Marple Newtown High School’s production of Matilda the Musical opens March 10th and is sure to please both children and adults alike. Storytelling and music are woven together in this story about a young girl with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination.
Based on the 1988 children’s novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, Matilda the Musical debuted on Broadway in 2013 and won a Tony award that year. It’s been described by critics as “wise, wicked, glorious fun.”
Directed by veteran director Brian Walsh and produced by Marple Newtown graduate Tiffany Caprice, MNHS’s production of Matilda the Musical features more than 100 of Marple Newtown School District’s students of all ages as actors, dancers, stage crew members and musicians.
The story follows Matilda, a child who is unloved by her cruel parents and tormented by her school’s headmistress. Finding her escape in books and a bit of mischief, she takes a stand to change her destiny. Musical numbers like “Naughty” and “Revolting Children” help convey the show’s message that anyone has the power to change their own story.
Senior Lucy DeFrancesco plays the title role of the clever and courageous Matilda. “What I loved about the role of Matilda is that I could really relate to her,” said Lucy. “I’ve always felt a little eccentric, and at times like I didn’t fit in. It’s fun to play a character where you can see yourself in them.”
The show has plenty of other colorful characters, including Matilda’s parents, the greedy Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, and Miss Honey, a gentle young school teacher who is impressed by Matilda’s precociousness and academic ability. The most detestable character is Miss Trunchbull, who instills fear and loathing in her students.
Berryman and
Peter Pilko
exchange laughs
in between takes
Senior Peter Pilko plays the role of Miss Trunchbull, a principal who hates children and enjoys thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. “I like the show’s message of standing up for yourself,” said Peter, who is making his acting debut. “But I enjoy playing such a diabolical character. It’s fun being the villain!”
Working behind the scenes and at the heart of any successful theater production, is the stage crew. Matilda’s crew of 30 MNHS students are responsible for everything from lighting, sound and props to set design. Senior and President of the Drama Club Tim Fitzpatrick is the Head Designer and Director of Lighting. “Before joining the stage crew my sophomore year I didn’t notice all the little details that go into making a stage production run smoothly,” Tim explained. “After being part of the stage crew I now know how vital it is to the success of the show.” Tim oversees all of the various production crews, which includes a Special Effects committee to create some of the Matilda magic. “I love helping run the shows,” Tim added. “And on opening night It is so rewarding to see the whole production come together.”
Parents are also a vital part of any high school theater production. “It takes a village to put on a high school musical,” said Brian. “From sewing costumes and providing props to helping create special effects, we could not do this without the parents who donate their time and talents.”
Matilda the Musical is MNHS’s third musical based on one of Dahl’s books. “I think the theme of the show is something high school students can relate to,” said Brian, who also directed Marple’s productions of James and the Giant Peach. “Stories like these remind us how important it is to be true to your creative and unique self.”
Brian, a fifth grade teacher in the Upper Darby School district, began directing Marple Newtown students back in 2015. A Delaware County native, he grew up in Drexel Hill and graduated from Upper Darby High School and Kutztown University. His love of theater began in kindergarten and growing up he was actively involved in the Upper Darby Summer Stage program as both an actor and later as a director. “What’s really special to me about the spring musical is that it brings students from all ages together. This year is particularly special because the first group of elementary students I directed in 2015 are now sophomores.”
Producer Tiffany Caprice has also previously worked with MNHS students when she produced the school’s production of Bram Stoker’s Dracula in 2010. But her connection to Marple goes back even further. A 2006 graduate of MNHS, she was active in the drama program as a member of stage crew and especially loved producing one act plays. For several years, Tiffany worked in Los Angeles where she gained extensive experience working in the film and advertising industries.
Recently Tiffany became an executive producer with the We The People Company (www.WeThePeople.tv), a production company that merges entertainment with advertising. Her professional work has brought her back to the area and gave her the opportunity to work at her alma mater again. “What I love about the Marple drama program both as a student and a producer is the amount of valuable skills it teaches you,” said Tiffany. “From people skills to time management to building confidence, it’s much more than acting and learning lines.”
Brian and Tiffany not only wanted to put together a great show this year, but they wanted to teach and inspire the students. During production, the cast and crew were able to meet professional actors, attend workshops and work with dialect coaches. “We really wanted to give the Marple drama students a bigger, better and memorable experience,” she added.
The audience is in for a memorable experience too! You don’t want to miss this inspiring and entertaining musical. Performances start Thursday, March 10th and run through Sunday, March 12th. Visit www.MNDrama.org for showtimes and ticket information.