The children are revolting; they can smell rebellion; they’re counting on a miracle; they’re ready to get naughty: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical opens at the Waterville Opera House on Friday, April 25!
In this Tony- and Olivier-winning stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s novel, downtrodden little girl Matilda uses her courage and cleverness—and newfound psychic powers—to rally her classmates against their tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull. Matilda, with the aid of her teacher Miss Honey, must use her wit, gumption, and a fair amount of song and dance to overcome her cruel parents and Trunchbull’s fiendish punishments.
“From the beginning, our team has been excited to tell this story in a way that highlights both its humor and its heart,” said Beth Lambert, director of the musical. “Matilda is all about resilience, curiosity, and the idea that even the smallest voice can make a big impact. It’s also about what it means to be truly seen, to speak up for yourself, and to imagine a different path when the one in front of you doesn’t feel right.”
The ensemble cast includes 10 local students, many of whom are appearing in an Opera House production for the very first time. After months of rehearsals, learning lines, singing songs, mastering their choreography, and getting their comedic timing just right, they are finally ready to bring the magic to life on stage.
“We’ve had a great time playing with how kids experience the world—how they use imagination, movement, and emotion to make sense of things,” Lambert said. “Through shadow play, stylized staging, and a little theatrical magic, we’ve tried to bring Matilda’s point of view to life.”
“I’m thrilled to bring this well-loved story to our stage and our community,” said Michelle Sweet, executive director of the Waterville Opera House. “The talent and dedication of our amazing community theatre performers will be on full display for six wonderful performances. This is a perfect family-friendly production that highlights the power of resilience, speaking up for yourself and others, and creating your own future.”
Matilda the Musical opens Friday, April 25, at 7:30pm. Evening performances follow April 26 and May 2 at 7:30pm, with 2pm matinées on April 27, May 3, and May 4. The Waterville Opera House is proud to offer an ASL interpreted performance on Sunday, April 27, at 2pm.
Tickets are available now. Go to operahouse.org, call 207.873.7000, or visit the Ed Harris Box Office in the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, 93 Main Street, Waterville, to make reservations.
This production is sponsored by Amici’s Cucina and Marie Cormier. Book by Dennis Kelly. Music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Matilda Book Drive
“In the spirit of Matilda’s love of books and learning, we’ve also been running a community book drive alongside this production,” Lambert said. “We’ve been collecting new and gently used books to help get more stories into the hands of local kids and families—because we truly believe that access to stories can open up worlds, spark ideas, and empower change.”
In the honor of Roald Dahl’s novel and the title character’s love for reading, the Ed Harris Box Office at Waterville Creates has proudly been hosting a book drive for various organizations in the community. Books helped Matilda find herself and gave her an escape from reality. We invite the community to join us in promoting literacy by donating new and lightly used books, and giving a child in the community the same gift that Matilda has.
Drop off your new or used book at the front desk of the Paul J. Schupf Art Center anytime between now and May 4.
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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.
Photo by John Meader