Infamous sketches from the novel Matilda by Roald Dahl appear as the Coppell High School Auditorium lights dim for the school’s production of “Matilda the Musical”.
The musical showed this past Thursday, Friday and Saturday as well as January 17-19,
“Matilda the Musical” follows the ambitious and peculiarly intelligent Matilda and her journey through primary school as she combats her parents’ distaste for her and her evil school’s headmaster, Ms. Trunchbull. Dahl’s original story was amplified by the vibrant soundtrack.
Songs, such as “Naughty,” introduced the audience to the mischievous dynamic our main character, Matilda has with her family. And “When I Grow Up” features a scene of school kids playing together as they run through the audience singing and dancing.
The set design was reminiscent of nostalgic sketches inspired by Quentin Blake’s art, who illustrated Matilda.
“This production is so special to us because it was the first district musical so we wanted to include what created Matilda, which is the illustrations,” theatre director Glenn Price said.
The production featured a wide range of ages, including actors from Coppell ISD elementary, middle and high schools.
“Having actors ranging from fifth to 12th grade was strenuous but totally worth it. I had a ton of help from choreographers, and music directors from across the district,” Price said.
Dahl’s array of interesting character’s kept audience members invested throughout the musical.
“My favorite part about playing my character is that I get to be crazy. I just get to run around the stage yelling, belting and dancing,” said CHS senior J McGill, who played Ms. Trunchbull.
The audience gave a standing ovation at the conclusion of the production, commending the efforts of the cast members across CISD as they brought a beautiful telling of Dahl’s work to life.
“It was so cool to have a full house come and watch us,” said CHS sophomore Sahana Kumar, who played Ms. Honey. “On top of that, it was incredibly kind when everyone stood up for us and clapped.”
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