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‘Matilda’ Coming to Valley Stage March 13 to 15

While the cast and crew at Valley Regional High School strive to make their annual musical productions look effortless, the work leading up the show is anything but easy. This year’s show, Matilda, running Friday to Sunday, March 13 to 15, will take more than four months and hundreds of hours of planning and rehearsals by everyone involved.

Director Ingrid Walsh said she 1has created a culture behind the scenes intended to bring out the best in everyone involved by sharing the ownership of key components of the musical with her staff team, volunteers and students alike. Sophomore Dance Captain Chase Conrad leads dance practice sessions to help her fellow castmates perfect the moves designed by choreographer Tessa Grunwald.

“I was really excited to be chosen as a dance captain,” Conrad said. “I like being able to help people with their parts.”

In addition to the on-stage roles of the performers, the crew works on set design and construction, lighting, sound, and more. Emma Kick and Hanna Babek are two of the self-described “off stage people” who work to make props that adorn the stage. Artistic Set Director Verna O’Donnel and Mark Foster, set construction, both work with Walsh to bring the vision to reality by working with parent volunteers and students.

“This is where creative problem solving lives,” says O’Donnel. “For many of our students, this is the first time they’ve been empowered to take ownership of a challenge and put the different skills they’ve learned to use.” Parent Timu Colloton, a seamstress by trade, has been making costumes and alterations with Valley for three years.

“I love working with the musical, and enjoy using my skills to make the program better.” Colloton said.

Colloton is just one of many parent volunteers who lend their time and talent to assist with tasks ranging from makeup and costuming to organizing food and selling tickets.

Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda tells the story of brilliant young girl who uses some surprising skills to experience a world beyond her mundane family.

Matilda will be performed Friday, March 13 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 14 at 1 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 15 at 1 p.m. at Valley Regional High School, 256 Kelsey Hill Road, Deep River. Tickets are on sale now at Valley for $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and children under 10.