With a Cast of 75, Somers Middle School Rehearsing ‘Matilda Jr.’ 

Somers Middle School Drama Club is preparing to bring to life the classic Roald Dahl story Matilda, about a brilliant, book-loving, five-year-old girl who is also, at one point, a little bit magical.

More than 100 students – 75 actors and 27 crew members – are rehearsing Matilda Jr., The Musical, which tells the story of how the title character survives her neglectful parents and challenges a tyrannical school headmistress. Along the way, the girl develops telekinetic powers.

“She’s strong, and a good role model,” said sixth grader Elowyn Dawson, who will play Matilda in two of the four performances. She shares the role with seventh grader Michaela Gallo, and like their fellow thespians, they are enjoying the experience.

“It’s really high-energy,” Michaela said. “I get to dance a lot, and I like to dance.”

The annual musical is a highlight of the school year. Matilda Jr. was the popular choice for this year’s play, voted by the students after last year’s spring production, said music teacher Marie

Williams, who directs the show. The other members of the production team are: Rachel Malara, music director; Rebecca Racioppo, choreographer; Cheryl Astrologo, producer; Ellen Bieber, assistant choreographer; and stage crew directors Rich Devito and Matt Lugo. Williams said the team often witness transformations in the students.

“Every year, we see kids take risks, step out of their comfort zones, and absolutely shine,” she said.

The students also expand their perception of the world around them. Presenting plays “stimulates the imagination and creativity and helps develop a better understanding of human behavior and empathy with situations that might seem ‘different,’” according to the drama club’s mission statement.

Eighth grader Olivia McGurk said she feels a change in herself when she plays the sweet-natured teacher Miss Honey.

“When I step into Miss Honey, I feel much kinder,” she said.

As the cast members have gotten to know their roles, even the two actors who portray the wicked headmistress Miss Trunchbull – like true thespians – find traits to identify with in their character.

“She puts her whole personality into every word she speaks,” said eighth-grader Gianna Lopez, one of the Miss Trunchbulls. “She’s loud and strong and not afraid to be herself.”

“You should definitely know the origin of your character and why she acts that way,” said eighth-grader Delia Eagleton, Gianna’s counterpart in the role.

The S.T.A.R.S. booster club helps out, selling "hugs and kisses" at each performance which is a fund raiser for the club. Hugs and Kisses are a small bunch of Hershey's Kisses with a note of encouragement for the performer, delivered immediately after the show. They are sold for $5. Performances will be March 20 and 21 at 7 p.m., and March 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at somersms.seatyourself.biz or via this QR code to the right.