Waterville, Maine—The Waterville Opera House (WOH), part of Waterville Creates, claimed 13 awards at this year’s Broadway World Maine awards, which recognize the best professional and nonprofessional theatrical productions in the state.
In addition to winning the Favorite Local Theatre award for the second year running, WOH’s spring 2025 production of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical garnered 12 accolades.
The musical, based on the beloved 1988 children’s novel by Roald Dahl, follows the adventures an ingenious little girl who rallies her oppressed classmates against the cruel and domineering Miss Trunchbull.
For his hilarious turn as the villainous Trunchbull, Ben Fisher won the Best Performer in a Musical award. His then-13-year-old costar Emma Bailey received the Best Supporting Performer prize for her turn as Amanda, one of Matilda’s classmates.
Beth Lambert earned Best Director for Matilda the Musical. She returns to the director’s seat for the Opera House’s upcoming productions of The Nerd (January 30–February 8) and Once Upon a Mattress (April 23–May 3).
“I am thrilled to share that the Waterville Opera House very nearly swept the Broadway World Maine awards with our stunning production of Matilda the Musical, which ran on our historic stage during April and May of 2025,” said Opera House Executive Director Michelle Sweet.
“Our community theatre productions focus on providing regional theatre production values and exceptional storytelling with the help of our dedicated performers,” Sweet added. “Matilda welcomed 25 volunteer cast members to the stage and with the support of our outstanding Waterville Creates staff and creative team members, we welcomed 3,800 patrons during the six performances.”
As a nonprofit community theatre, the Waterville Opera House competed in the non-professional categories, winning the following awards:
• Best Musical
MATILDA THE MUSICAL – Waterville Opera House
• Best Direction of a Musical
Beth Lambert – MATILDA THE MUSICAL – Waterville Opera House
• Best Performer in a Musical
Benjamin Fisher – MATILDA THE MUSICAL – Waterville Opera House
• Best Supporting Performer
Emma Bailey – MATILDA THE MUSICAL – Waterville Opera House
• Best Ensemble
MATILDA THE MUSICAL – Waterville Opera House
• Best Choreography of a Play or Musical
Ariel Grenier – MATILDA THE MUSICAL – Waterville Opera House
• Best Scenic Design of a Play or Musical
Chad Lefebvre – MATILDA THE MUSICAL – Waterville Opera House
• Best Costume Design of a Play or Musical
Travis M. Grant – MATILDA THE MUSICAL – Waterville Opera House
• Best Sound Design of a Play or Musical
Elise DeSeifer – MATILDA THE MUSICAL – Waterville Opera House
• Best Lighting Design of a Play or Musical
Josh Karp – MATILDA THE MUSICAL – Waterville Opera House
• Best New Play or Musical
MATILDA THE MUSICAL – Waterville Opera House
• Best Theatre for Young Audiences Production
MATILDA THE MUSICAL – Waterville Opera House
• Favorite Local Theatre
Waterville Opera House
Following on the coattails of the Broadway World awards, the Waterville Opera House begins its 2026 theatrical season Friday, January 30, with the first of six performances of the acclaimed comedy The Nerd.
Learn more at watervillecreates.org/operahouse.
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About the Waterville Opera House
Waterville Opera House (WOH) has been bringing the magic of the performing arts to audiences of all ages since 1902. This beautifully restored, 810-seat theatre hosts high-quality community theatre, dance, concerts, and educational programming. As part of the artistic community working to make Waterville a key arts destination, WOH encourages an appreciation for the performing arts and its creative expression by consistently producing exceptional performances for residents and visitors. We firmly believe that art and culture have the power to enrich lives, strengthen community bonds, and serve as an economic engine. For more information, visit operahouse.org.