PUTTING ON A SHOW: CCS Collaborative Arts students prepare to pull curtain for ‘Matilda’

Students from the county’s four high schools will soon unite on the stage and come together for Covington County Schools Collaborative Arts’ production of “Matilda the Musical” Feb. 14-16.

Jennifer Withrow of Pleasant Home School will serve as the director with performances being held on Friday, Feb. 14, and Saturday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m.

“Anytime I can choose a show with a book focus, I’m going to take it. Roald Dahl is such a classic. This is a funkier, more modern musical with some dark themes to explore making for great villains and lots of laughter and moments of celebration. This show is high-energy and has definitely pushed us in the dancing department, but it really has been so much fun,” Withrow said.

“Matilda the Musical” is based on the 1988 children’s novel “Matilda” by British author Roald Dahl and is comprised of music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly. The musical’s narrative centers on Matilda Wormwood, a precocious 5-year-old girl with special gifts who loves to read. In the story, Matilda overcomes obstacles caused by her family and school and helps her teacher to reclaim her life.

The production was made possible by funding from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the Lower Alabama Arts Coalition.

Sarah Alsobrook, a drama and theatre teacher at Beauregard High School in Opelika, is the choreographer of the production.

“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with the students in Matilda. I was so impressed by their work ethic, even from the cast members as young as fourth grade. Since I don’t live local to Andalusia, our choreography workshops go all day on Saturday. Even with those long hours, the cast is always giving me 100 percent energy and performance quality. I can’t wait to watch all of their personality and incredible dance moves hit the stage,” Alsobrook said.

Fleeta Jr. High School fifth grader Aria Jackson and Straughn Elementary School fourth grader Kaylee Marie Sport will share the role of the title character Matilda.

“I feel that being in Matilda is a huge honor. I love getting to perform and sing on stage alongside my friends. My favorite part of the show is the ‘Revolting Children’ scene because it’s such a fun moment when everyone gets to shine,” Jackson said.

“I feel honored and happy to be able to be Matilda and love the part. My favorite part of the show is ‘Quiet’ because I like singing that part and love how dramatic it is,” Sport said.

Pleasant Home School senior Era Grace Lowry will bring the role of the beloved teacher Miss Jennifer Honey to life.

“Usually when we put on a production, it’s always kids that are in high school or junior high, but this is the first year we’ve had kids in elementary participate as well. I’ll be honest and say I was a little nervous at the beginning, but this cast of kids has blown my mind in the short amount of time they’ve had to prepare. I’ve done a lot of preparing myself. I’m not the best singer, so playing a role that has a lot of singing aspects was a little scary. I have experience from the last few years, but I always get a little nervous about it. This wonderful group of people is so kind and talented and always makes me feel right at home,” Lowry said.

Straughn High School senior Christian Pate will play the role of Miss Agatha Trunchbull, who is the main antagonist, headmistress of Crunchem Hall Elementary School, and Miss Honey’s aunt.

“Playing Miss Trunchbull in Matilda has been such an exciting challenge. She’s an iconic character with so many layers; on the surface, she’s this terrifying, authoritarian figure, but underneath, there’s so much complexity. I love how her extreme actions highlight the resilience of the kids in the story. It’s been a thrilling experience to bring her to life on stage, and I really enjoy exploring the dynamic between her and the other characters. Every night, I get to dive into the chaos and intensity, and it’s always a new adventure,” Pate said.

“Matilda the Musical” will serve as the final performance for Lowry and Pate who will graduate in May.

“Along with my portrayal of Miss Trunchbull, this show brings a lot of warmth to my heart as it will be my last performance in the Covington County Collaborative Arts musical as I’m a senior. This will be my fifth and final show with the group. Starting with ‘Annie’, I have found a large piece of myself in our school theatre, and it is a bittersweet moment to say goodbye. I have developed skills incomparable to my other student groups, and I have learned that my heart will always truly belong on stage,” Pate said.

“Though this is my last year, I will definitely come back and watch future performances to see how the kids grow,” Lowry said.

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at any CCS high school, CCB Community Bank’s Andalusia branch, The Wild Daisy Boutique, or at the door.

For more information email jennifer.withrow@cov.k12.al.us.