Student News Desk: Northwest theater students creating memories on stage with Matilda scenes
April 22, 2025
|
Lincoln Public Schools understands the importance of quality journalism to help inform our community and shine a light on the people, programs and events that make our school district unique.
|
Written by Amelia Proffitt, Northwest High School
The Lincoln Northwest thespians are bringing the story of Matilda Wormwood to life this spring through song and dance. After months of blocking, learning lines, music rehearsal and choreography, the show will open in just a few short days.
Matilda: The Musical is based on the book by Roald Dahl and follows the life of Matilda Wormwood, played by Ellie Ramirez, a 5-year-old girl with a considerable gift of reading and mathematics. Matilda faces challenges at home with her neglectful parents, Harry Wormwood, played by Jonah Hagge, and Zinnia Wormwood, played by Cassandra Colgrove, when they fail to adequately nurture her talents.
Matilda finds comfort in her teacher, Miss Honey, played by Andy Hanson, who provides her with the love and encouragement she lacks at home. Miss Honey serves as a beacon of light to Matilda, a stark contrast to what she receives at home. However, being at school is not an escape when they’re under the rule of the headmistress, Agatha Trunchbull, played by Marley Forry.
The significance of Matilda's story is interpreted in several different ways among the cast. Some see it as a story of rebellion and defiance when they ultimately take down the antagonist, and some see it as a story that highlights the innocence of childhood and mentorship.
“The message that I see is that children are so full of imagination and wonder. So, when presented with a problem, children will face it in the most childlike way,” said Audrey Coatney, playing Amanda Thripp.
On the contrary, Ben Hershberger, playing Nigel Fleabottom, says, “The meaning of the show is, well I think Matilda says it best herself: ‘Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty!’”
The musical is flourishing, despite some lingering nerves among the cast as they await opening night.
“I’m always nervous before a show, but the second I'm in the light they disappear and muscle memory kicks in,” said Emmy McInteer, who plays Erica. “Then, it's all worth it at the end when the audience cheers for you as you bow.”
Even the crew can experience nerves. “I get nervous before calling a show,” Stage Manager Cade Chiles said. “I’m nervous for the actors, and I'm especially worried that they'll miss my cue line.”
Auditions for Matilda only took place a few months ago, and in those months, the cast has been putting their whole heart into a production they will be proud of.
“The best part of this show so far was just the knowledge that every one of us put everything we had into it,” said Izzy Butters, playing Alice.
With the help of choreographer Kayleigh Schadwinkel, the seven separate dance numbers came together flawlessly after only five days of incredibly hard work.
“I would say choreography week is one of the hardest aspects of putting on a musical, at least for me,” said Madison Lemons, playing Rudulpho. “Learning all the dances in five or so days is very stressful on the body and mind.”
Not to mention, with tech week and show week rehearsals stretching to almost 11 p.m. every day leading up to the opening night, exhaustion is bound to be just as big of a role in the show. The entire production team dives headfirst into tech week starting April 22, only nine days before the curtains rise and hearts race on stage.
“What most people don't understand about tech week, is that those are actually some of the best nights,” said Hagge. “Even though we're tired, there’s kind of this understanding that we're in it together, and that's what it takes to put on a great show!”
The entire cast and crew is bubbling with the anticipation of an audience in their auditorium. They are thrilled to embody the lessons they've learned and the growth they’ve been reaching for every rehearsal. On May 1, 2, and 3 the shows will begin at 7 p.m. and on May 4 the Sunday matinee starts at 2 p.m.
The Northwest Falcons had a wildly successful competition season with their previous show, A Wrinkle in Time, earning them a spot at the NSAA State Play Production Championships and walking away with the title of Best Technical Theatre. The directors, cast, and crew plan to carry the momentum to the spring musical, aiming to steal the spotlight once more. Their passion for theater has risen again, and they’re ready to captivate a new audience with a story of childhood wonder and empowerment.
The entire production team counts down the days until May 1, some with eagerness, some with apprehension, and some with heartache. As the final performance of Matilda quickly approaches, the cast gets ready to solemnly say ‘goodbye’ to the characters they grew to love, and the bittersweetness of it all to sink in. Not only will it be the final showing of Matilda, but also the final show of the 2024-2025 school year.
Lemons, a senior, is preparing to take the final bow, and ready herself for the next act in life to begin.
“Part of me is always going to miss looking forward to seeing what the next show is or finally hearing a song come together,” Lemons said. “However, what I will miss the most is definitely the people. I’m excited about my future and what I’ll be doing in college, but I'm going to miss this more than you know.”
Following countless hours put into rehearsals, the cast and crew discovered the power of their own stories – the power of standing up, speaking out, and a little bit of mischief, just like Matilda Wormwood herself. Even so, long after the lights fade and the stage is bare, the lessons, friendships, and unforgettable moments will stay with them. After all, sometimes you have to be just a little bit naughty to change your story.
Published: April 22, 2025, Updated: April 23, 2025
Northwest High School students perform a scene from their spring musical during one of their rehearsals. They are bringing the story of Matilda Wormwood to life with their work on stage. They have spent many hours learning lines, choreography and technical cues for the musical, which will take place May 1-4 in the high school auditorium.
