Curtain rises on ‘Matilda’

By Toyin Obatusin - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on December 13, 2024.

Winston Churchill High School drama students gave a preview to media Wednesday at University Theatre of their production of the Roald Dahl classic “Matilda, The Musical”, based on music by Tom Minchin and the book by Dennis Kelly.
Students presented a matinee the same day of the preview, prior to the opening of the show last night.
It will also be staged tonight starting at 7 p.m. and on Saturday at 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $23 with students and seniors at $18 and can be purchased through the University of Lethbridge Box Office at https://uleth.universitytickets.com.
Grade 11 student Eleah Klassen plays main character Matilda Wormwood. This is Klassen’s second performance with the high school, following last year’s “Mean Girl” production.
Sienna Ray, also in grade 11, plays Miss Honey.
“Being able to see all these bright colours, and see how hard all these students have worked just to learn choreography and be able to sing while doing it, I think that it’s really important and fun,” said Ray, regarding the number “Loud”, being one of both students’ favourite numbers in the show.
Both students worked tirelessly over the summer learning their lines prior to beginning rehearsals in September.
“I try to practice every week, along with our class time that we have with everybody, but I think that working on myself is also important,” said Ray, “Rehearsing my songs, making sure I know my lines, and how I want to present my character”.
Rehearsals were conducted Mondays through Fridays, for over an hour, from the moment school resumed in the fall.
Teacher Emily Morrison, a drama educator of seven years, and director of the musical held auditions in June which allowed rehearsals to begin in high gear come the beginning of the school year.
“I went to the U of L, so it’s like a really great full circle moment, because when I was here I did shows on this stage, and now I get to bring my kids here to experience that as well.”

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