Ecole Secondaire Beaumont Composite High School presents Matilda the Musical
Ecole Secondaire Beaumont Composite High School is opening Matilda the Musical this week. The production, written by Tim Minchin and Dennis Kelly is based on the novel by Roald Dahl, and tells the story of Matilda, a brilliant, book-loving girl who refuses to accept injustice from the adults around her.
“The message of Matilda is a good one for students and audiences,” says Chantal Yardley, ESBCHS teacher and director. “It’s about the little guy rising up. It’s about choosing who is family. It’s about standing up for what you think is right.”
Yardley says the musical is a lot of fun, and the cast and crew have enjoyed bringing it to the stage. “Students have done a wonderful job with this show, and audiences will have a great experience watching them shine.”
Grade 12 student Willow Gladue takes the stage in the role of Matilda. “Playing a kid has been a challenge for me,” she says. “But it has also been so exciting.” Gladue has participated in theatre for many years including last year in her school’s production of Grease. This is her first lead role. “When I knew we were doing Matilda, it was the role I was hoping for. It’s always been my dream to land a lead role.”
Gladue plans to pursue acting at the post-secondary level. She is headed to Capilano University in British Columbia, and will audition for the school’s Musical Theatre Program.
Annabelle Lacke, a Grade 11 student, is trying musical theatre for the first time this year. As a dancer, she is no stranger to the stage. She has enjoyed being in Matilda. “It’s very time consuming, but totally worth it. There is such a rush with performing and it makes me happy.” Lacke says she plans to audition for next year’s production.
Anneka Van Egdom, a Grade 12 student, plays Miss Honey, Matilda’s beloved school teacher. “In the past I have usually been cast in goofy side character roles,” says Van Egdom. “I was so surprised and happy to get this part. Miss Honey is special. I like her story. She starts off as a sad and weak person, but over the course of the show she finds the bravery to stand up for people she cares about. I like that.”
Keerat Sawara, a Grade 12 student, plays the role of Miss Trunchbull, Matilda’s unjust and cruel school headmistress. Sawara has also participated in multiple stage productions in the past, but says “this time was the first time I went to auditions knowing which part I would like to get. I was so excited to get the part of Miss Trunchbull. I like her presence. I like that she causes a lot of action, and that it ripples through everyone.”
While Sawara plays one of the show’s villains, she loves that “Matilda wins in the end. I think it’s great she saves the day by being herself. She has her own sense of power.” Sawara says participating in theatre has made her more of an extrovert. “It’s also given me a community and a family,” she says.
The show runs from January 28 to 31. Tickets are available by clicking here.